F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Alonso can handle the workload: 'I'm not grey yet!'

Fernando Alonso is about to kick off the most active year in his motorsport life, but the Spaniard has no doubts he can handle this year's hectic schedule.

Alonso will dovetail his 21-race F1 commitment with McLaren with a five-race schedule in the World Endurance Championship with Toyota, with the Le Mans 24 Hours as its centerpiece.

It's an unprecedented program, but at the ripe old age of 36, the two-time world champion laughs at the suggestion he might be taking on too much.

"No, I'm not grey yet," Alonso told Spain's Marca while testing for Toyota in Aragon.

"Seriously, I'm physically well. Ok, ten years ago facing a challenge like this would have been very difficult or even impossible or a mistake.

"But now I am 100 per cent sure I can face it," he added.

"With the way I know Formula 1, other categories like the Indy 500, even the way I need to travel, I'm ready now.

"That's why a programme like this has never been done," Alonso explained.

"It's almost impossible. Only at certain moments of your sports career, such as where I am now, can it be done, and then not everyone can do it."

In order to keep his focus intact and the momentum flowing, preparation will be key this season for the 32-time Grand Prix winner,

"This year it will be important to have every detail clear," he said.

"Now, the whole year will have to be designed almost day to day to get to November for the last Grand Prix in a very strong condition."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Lawson got telling-off from father after spat with Perez in Mexico

RB rookie Liam Lawson learned the hard way that racing isn't just about what happens…

2 hours ago

Russell calls for F1 rule tweak amid increase in rookie outings

Mercedes’ George Russell has proposed a change to F1's regulations regarding rookie driver practice sessions,…

3 hours ago

Formula 1 reshuffles Canadian GP to May for better calendar flow

Formula 1 has announced a significant change to the Canadian Grand Prix, with the race…

5 hours ago

Sauber turns up the heat with special flaming Las Vegas livery

Sauber is hoping to turn up the heat this week in Las Vegas a sizzling…

6 hours ago

When Austin and COTA welcomed Formula 1 back to Texas

This day in 2012 saw the very first United States Grand Prix held at the…

7 hours ago

McLaren junior Ugochukwu dominates Macau GP crash-fest

McLaren junior Ugo Ugochukwu came out on top of Sunday’s Macau Grand Prix after a…

8 hours ago