Upcoming IndyCar test won't be a 'key day' for Alonso

Fernando Alonso says next week's IndyCar test in Alabama with Andretti Autosport won't be decisive for his eventual future in the US series.

The Spaniard, who will retire from F1 at the end of this season, has put IndyCar at the top of his list of possible options for 2019, as McLaren boss Zak Brown confirmed at Monza on Saturday.

"Fernando is testing next Wednesday in an Andretti car in Barber, that’s for him to evaluate what an IndyCar feels like on a road course," said Brown.

"From there I think he will start to take a decision on what he wants to do next year. Clearly IndyCar is one of those series under consideration."

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The two-time F1 world champion ran in the Indy 500 last year, and quite successfully until he was sidelined by an engine failure.

An IndyCar program would take him back to the Brickyard and provide him with a shot at conquering motorsport's Triple Crown, the feat of winning at Indianapolis, Le Mans and Monaco, a 'tour de force' achieved only by the great Graham Hill.

Queried on next week's IndyCar test, Alonso played down its importance, insisting the run was scheduled months ago and "just a bit of fun".

"It’s a bit of a coincidence that I announced I was leaving F1 and now I’m doing this test, but it was scheduled for months and therefore people are talking more about it," said the 37-year-old.

"I like to test all kinds of cars. Last year Andretti wanted me to test the car with a road track configuration.

"We had no time, and this year we have the chance, but it’s not a key day ahead of next year to decide."

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