a3ac23ffc217ed31be95d96882299d27b4a2d9d5

McLaren already talking to Alonso about F1 testing

17:23, 20 Dec 2018

byBevan Youl

McLaren has been in talks with Fernando Alonso about the possibility of testing their 2019 Formula 1 car.

Alonso left F1 at the end of the 2018 season with McLaren to pursue his commitments to the World Endurance Championship as well as a return to the Indianapolis 500, which he raced in 2017, next year under McLaren Racing.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has expressed his desire in keeping the Spaniard involved with the team outside it’s F1 activities, and new drivers Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris have said they would welcome Alonso’s experience and input in testing.

"We have spoken about testing and that is something we are going to talk about further over the winter," Brown said (autosport.com).

"We need to look at our entire programme, and certainly having his experience in the car would be a great thing.”

Brown expressed that the team is keen on their current drivers getting as much time in the car as possible for the next season.

"But we also need to ensure that our two new drivers get sufficient time because they are going to be our race drivers next year, so it is an ongoing situation."

The McLaren CEO is also certain that Alonso will be keeping track of the progess the team make in Formula 1, as well as other McLaren entries like GT3.

"I think he will watch not only what McLaren does, but I trade notes with Fernando, I wouldn't quite say daily but very often.”

"He was following how our GT3 car was doing in Abu Dhabi at the weekend, he was sending me notes.”

"For sure he is going to watch our progress with interest because he is still part of the family."