Alonso still targeting racing outside of F1 in 2018

©McLaren

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McLaren and Fernando Alonso continue their discussions over 2018, with the Spaniard's desire to venture outside of F1 next season perhaps delaying his signing.

Alonso's self-imposed September deadline to decide his future has obviously long expired.

McLaren racing director Eric Boullier said recently that he was confident of reaching a new deal soon, with a set of details still under review.

Among those 'details' could feature Alonso's options regarding a potential involvement in endurance racing in 2018 as he sets his sights on the Le Mans 24 Hours, a race he has vowed to take part in and win as part of his Triple Crown ambitions.

"There is still no decision. So we'll see," he told Spain's El Mundo Deportivo.

"I continue to have all the options open."

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"As I have said several times, one of my goals is to be the best driver in the world, the most complete in the world, and for that I still believe you have to win in other categories too and especially the 'triple crown'.

"That is one of my goals," Alonso added.

"Sometimes we focus on F1 because it is the best competition in the world of maximum technology.

"But there are other categories with other cars - with less technology - that require different driving and different skills and it is a major challenge for someone who specialises in something else."

As he appears satisfied with McLaren's switch to Renault power next season, Alonso has ruled out a full-time switch to IndyCar.

"The whole season at Indycar I do not have in my mind in the short term," said Alonso.

"But the 500 miles, after my experience of this year, is attractive. I look at it for the future, but I do not know when that will be."

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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.