Persistent reliability woes and under-performance have dogged Fernando Alonso's campaign with McLaren-Honda, his third consecutive fruitless season with the Woking-based outfit.

But the Spaniard said there has been one positive moment in his season so far, which had nothing to do with Formula 1 unfortunately: his trip to the Indy 500 and the impressive performance he delivered with a McLaren-entered Andretti Autosport-run Dallara.

Alonso offered the answer when asked in Hungary by the media whether the first half of his season included any positive moments.

"Yes, the Indy 500," he responded tongue-in-cheek.

"No. We expected to be much more competitive and we are not delivering what our expectations were.

"We are working very hard to improve the situation as soon as possible, but definitely tough," he said.

Speculation is ramping up about what Alonso may do next, having said earlier this year that he will make a final decision on his future by the end of the summer.

Clearly, the Spaniard would like to remain in F1, saying his is open to "any team" if it means winning a third title.

"It [IndyCar] is there, it's one possibility. I've always said I'm very open that may come in the future," he said.

"My priority is still Formula 1 and winning the third championship, but I'm open to find the way in any team to achieve that.

"I'm open to see another series if that is not possible for next year, so let's see in one month or one month and a half.

"I want to win next year and to win we need some good changes here, many changes here. If those happen, there'll be a possibility that I stay and that's something that I will have to consider in September."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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