Alonso IndyCar plans appear to be firming up

Several signs at McLaren appear to be pointing to Fernando Alonso's future migration to the IndyCar series in 2019.

The 36-year-old's demeanour of late reflects a fatigue of Formula 1 and its complicated affairs, a perception supported by the Spaniard's lambasting of last Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix, the "most boring" race ever according to Alonso.

The two-time world champion is hard pressed to mix it up with the front-runners despite McLaren's switch to Renault power this season, leading many to believe a change of scenery is in the cards.

Alonso labels Monaco GP 'most boring F1 race ever'

McLaren boss Zak Brown has openly discussed a potential full-time involvement of the Woking-based outfit in IndyCar, and Brown recently hired former Indy champion Gil de Ferran to help the team with its US endeavor.

"You'll see him around," Brown recently said.

"In Detroit at the IndyCar race and around our Formula 1 garage often."

It has now emerged that Brown will also be present next weekend at Belle Isle Park for IndyCar's seventh round, accompanied by none other than Luis Garcia Abad, Fernando Alonso's manager.

It is generally anticipated that McLaren would hook up with an existing in the short term, like it did with Andretti Autosport last year at Indy, and then lay down the groundwork for an independent effort by 2020.

With or without Mr. Alonso, time will tell…

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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.