A double of Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso was sent to the Geneva train station, where visitors were arriving for the exhibition. He looked, in his original racing outfit and helmet, exactly like the real Fernando. To further the illusion and create the largest possible effect, the Alonso lookalike was trailed by eager paparazzi snapping pictures. He distributed autographs to the public, which also served as advertising flyers for the Renault stand at the exhibition and promoted the prize (Renault Clio) that contest participants could win there.

More auto enthusiasts visited the Renault stand than in previous years. Over 7,000 Renault branded contest cards were distributed to the public, of which 5’200 were filled out with the address of a potential customer and deposited in the box at the stand. The Swiss automobile press also reported Alonso’s “appearance” at the salon and wondered, with a wink of the eye, how he was able to qualify and race in Bahrain while still finding the time to visit Geneva.