[ad_1]
Get unlimited access for free
You only have 5 items to watch this month.
Fernando Alonso said that spending 2019 on the sidelines would have been a "waste of time for everyone" after adding McLaren's Formula 1 trials to his program for the IndyCar and the World Endurance Championship.
Alonso dropped out of the Grand Prix after the 2018 season, but he has been given an ambassadorial role with McLaren. This will include driving his Formula 19 car this year.
He will complete this development work by another attempt to win the Indianapolis 500 points with McLaren and by concluding his campaign with WEC championship leader WEC.
When asked what he would get out of his role at McLaren, Alonso said, "For the moment, as I said last year, I feel at the top of my career.
"So being at home is probably a waste of time and opportunity for everyone.
"First of all for me, because I am now doing different and iconic races, I feel at the best moment of my racing career, so I hope to win as many races as possible.
"I [will] stay involved in the life of F1, just in case. "
The 37-year-old left the door open for a return to F1, even though last year's final in Abu Dhabi was treated as a last goodbye.
Alonso said, "I am stronger than ever, at age 37: physically, mentally and in the context you have in different categories and different driving styles.
"I feel very good now, very competitive in all cars in which I jump.
"I will continue for a few years and choose which races can have an impact on my career and on everyone.
"As I said, if Formula One gets to the point where I can be competitive and eventually win, I can not be relaxed at home at that point.
"I have to stay up to date, and the best way is to participate in one way or another."
Alonso's role will include assisting McLaren engineers and his new F1 drivers, Carlos Sainz Jr and Lando Norris.
His job as a tester will be important as the team explained that he would contribute to the development of his 2020 challenger.
Alonso expects his role to be divided into two parts: to be on the ground and to work remotely.
"I have my commitments with the race, with the WEC schedule and the Indy 500, so the first half of the season will be particularly busy and hard to follow. [F1 races], "said Alonso.
"But if I'm not present on the circuit, it will be a link by e-mail or video conference, or the MTC in the simulator or in the reports.
"It will always be very relevant."
[ad_2]
Source link