Fernando Alonso has dismissed speculation that he could be set to quit McLaren and walk away from Formula 1 if the 2016 MP4-31 is not competitive.
Alonso endured a difficult first season back with McLaren in 2015 as issues with the Honda power unit limited the Spaniard to just two points finishes.
Speculation was rife about Alonso's future as he was linked with a move away from McLaren due to the problems with the car, but he vowed that he would see out his three-year contract with the team.
Another round of reports claiming that Alonso may be set to walk away from McLaren came in the days leading up to his first test of 2016, suggesting that he would quit if the new car was not competitive.
Speaking to reporters after completing 119 laps in the McLaren MP4-31 in Barcelona on Tuesday, Alonso once again dismissed the speculation and expressed his commitment to the team.
"I’m surprised. All week [there] have been some rumours," Alonso said.
"When there are too many weeks or too many months with no action on the track, there is a dangerous tendency to be creative in the news. It’s good now we’re on track, and hopefully there are no rumours."
When asked if he would see out the season, Alonso said: "Of course, and next year."
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