Alonso feels the need 'to rest and recover' his motivation

©McLaren

Contrary to the initial speculation, Fernando Alonso won't be moving from one high-profile racing series to another, the Spaniard aiming first and foremost to slow his life down in 2019.

Talk of a full-time drive in IndyCar for Alonso gathered steam last summer and was further boosted by his road course test with Andretti Autosport in Alabama last month.

Since however, McLaren - a potential partner for Alonso in the US - has delayed its plans to enter IndyCar indefinitely, while the 37-year-old says he likely won't go beyond a one-off at the Indy 500 next year.

"I'd like to do it, to be honest," Alonso told Spain's Marca.

"It was a magical race last year and it still has an appeal for me, especially after winning Le Mans this year. It's part of my project for next year's calendar."

McLaren scraps 2019 IndyCar plans - Alonso one-off still possible

The two-time F1 world champion admitted that his main ambition next season is to live his live out of the fast lane for a while.

"I need to rest and recover my motivation, which is why I do not want to do a full IndyCar season. It would be like continuing in F1, where in 2020 I could return," said the 32-time Grand Prix winner.

Alonso also dismissed recent speculation that he had acquired the Spanish television rights to the IndyCar series.

"I read that and to my knowledge we have not been negotiating any of that," he said.

"But it has made me think that it would be a good idea and I will explore it!"

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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.