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

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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.

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"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."

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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.