McLaren has confirmed that Fernando Alonso has taken on the role of ambassador, and will partake in selected Formula 1 tests in 2019 to aid the team’s progress.
Alonso raced for McLaren in 2007, and then from 2015 through 2018, but departed Formula 1 at the end of last season, in order to pursue motorsport’s Triple Crown, though left the door open for a return.
Alonso has remained with McLaren through its impending tilt at this year’s Indianapolis 500, and at the end of last season hinted that he was open to Formula 1 test outings.
On Wednesday McLaren confirmed that Alonso “will drive at selected tests to support the development of MCL34 and MCL35 for 2020,” and stay “closely connected” to the team to advise engineers and race drivers Carlos Sainz Jr. and Lando Norris.
“Becoming a McLaren ambassador is a true honour,” said Alonso.
“It 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.”
Formula 1 in-season testing this year takes place after Grands Prix in Bahrain and Spain.
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