F1 News - Alonso becomes McLaren ambassador and will test F1 car
https://ift.tt/2EBqV0F Two-time champion Fernando Alonso has become an ambassador for McLaren, a role that will include him testing their Formula 1 car this year. The team said Alonso would "help advise the team's drivers and engineers and drive at selected tests to support the development" of the 2019 and 2020 cars. The Spaniard, 37, left F1 last year and is competing at the Indianapolis 500 this season for a McLaren team. Alonso said the role was "a true honour" and "just the beginning". He added: "McLaren is a special team, and despite the challenges we have endured recently, it remains so. "I said before I stopped racing in Formula 1 last year that I see myself with McLaren for a long time to come, so I am delighted at this new role and the ability to stay closely involved with the team I feel is my spiritual home. "We have the Indianapolis 500 in May of course, which I am looking forward to immensely, but this is just the beginning of many things we can do together. "I am particularly passionate about nurturing young talent, whether that's with my own team or helping the new generation of Formula 1 drivers at McLaren unlock their true potential. "This is important to both the team and myself, so will be an especially rewarding part of my role." Alonso, who has set up his own karting circuit and school in his home town of Oviedo in Spain, hopes to win the Indy 500 this year and become only the second driver in history to win motorsport's unofficial 'triple crown' of Monaco Grand Prix, Le Mans 24 Hours and Indy. Some regard the F1 part of the achievement as the world title. McLaren chief executive Zak Brown said: "Fernando is part of the McLaren family. He has set his place in the team's history and continues to write his chapter of the McLaren story, so it is entirely appropriate that we formalise his status as a McLaren ambassador, joining another double champion, Mika Hakkinen. "For any race team, having someone of Fernando's class on hand to provide support through his experience is of huge value. "His insights and perspective will be welcomed by both our drivers and engineers alike, while his stature and character remain highly appealing to our partners and fans." #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 February 27, 2019 at 04:42AM Leave a Reply. |
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