Alonso McLaren test role backed by Norris, Sainz

Joas van Wingerden Friday 1 March 2019 14:28

Alonso McLaren test role backed by Norris, Sainz

McLaren's race drivers do not have a problem with Fernando Alonso testing their car in 2019. Alonso, who quit the team and sport at the end of last year but is now a test driver and ambassador, said he did not want to test in Barcelona because early mileage for Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris is "precious".

But team boss Zak Brown has agreed to let Alonso drive the 2019 car later this year.

"Having Fernando on the team is fantastic," rookie driver Norris is quoted by El Mundo Deportivo.

Article continues under video

"He has experience, he thinks about things that I do not know yet and just being here has helped us," he said in Barcelona.

View this post on Instagram

Great first couple of days on a different role with the team....????. Now, 2 more days of testing for @landonorris and @carlossainz55 before Australia . ?? #Mclaren #f1
A post shared by Fernando Alonso (@fernandoalo_oficial) on Feb 27, 2019 at 10:12am PST

"Even when he doesn't drive, there are things that can help me with my driving or the performance of the car. We have to be grateful that he is part of the team again.

"Hopefully he can help us at some races too."

Spaniard Sainz, a friend and protege of Alonso's, insists he wouldn't even have minded if the 37-year-old had tested in Barcelona.

"I wouldn't have worried," he said.

"Having a guy like Fernando testing the car is a good thing for the team. We think he's a very good reference for comparing this car with last year's."

MORE: Norris: McLaren 2019 car reaching full potential
MORE: Williams praises Russell, Kubica roles in FW42 recovery

Latest News

GPFans Recap

Ricciardo tipped for NEW F1 role as star makes COMEBACK at Las Vegas Grand Prix - GPFans Recap

2 hours ago

Las Vegas Grand Prix

F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix: The music artists set to star at STUNNING event

3 hours ago

Latest F1 News

Mercedes star SHOCKED by FIA reaction after damning drivers' statement

Yesterday 21:33

Latest F1 News

Verstappen reveals F1 RETIREMENT clue ahead of Las Vegas GP

Yesterday 20:47

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton drops Mercedes BOMBSHELL ahead of Las Vegas GP

Yesterday 20:02

Las Vegas Grand Prix

F1 star reveals DEPORTATION threat at Las Vegas Grand Prix

Yesterday 19:18

More news

F1 Race Calendar 2024

GP AUSTRIA 28 - 30 Jun

George Russell

GP GREAT BRITAIN 5 - 7 Jul

Lewis Hamilton

GP HUNGARY 19 - 21 Jul

Oscar Piastri

GP BELGIUM 26 - 28 Jul

Lewis Hamilton

GP NETHERLANDS 23 - 25 Aug

Lando Norris

GP ITALY 30 Aug - 1 Sep

Charles Leclerc

GP AZERBAIJAN 13 - 15 Sep

Oscar Piastri

GP SINGAPORE 20 - 22 Sep

Lando Norris

GP USA 18 - 20 Oct

Charles Leclerc

GP MEXICO 25 - 27 Oct

GP QATAR 29 Nov - 1 Dec

GP ABU DHABI 6 - 8 Dec

Complete kalender 2024

F1 News 24/7

Races

About GPFans

GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.

We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.

With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.

Follow us on your favorite social media channel

Corporate & Media

Innovatieweg 20C
7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY