Alonso vows to be 'calm and clever' about his future

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Fernando Alonso's plans for the future will hopefully include "something unprecedented' in motorsport, but the Spaniard will think long and hard about his next big adventure.

After triumphing at Le Mans last year with Toyota, Alonso added the 24 Hours of Daytona to his credentials last weekend, winning sportscar racing's other blue ribbon event with Wayne Taylor Racing.

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As he rejoiced with his talented team mates after Sunday's milestone win, the two-time F1 world champion was asked where his ambitions will take him next besides the Brickyard at Indianapolis in May.

"Right now my full focus is on the Indy 500. But I'm thinking I'm trying to do something more, maybe in different disciplines," Alonso told The New York Times.

"Whatever adventure is next, I will not do it if I'm not competitive or I don't have a shot for winning. I need to be very calm and clever with the decisions for the future."

Racing at Indy would logically imply a full season of IndyCar racing in the future, but the 37-year-old remained indefinite on his options for the future.

"I think in the past it was a little bit more open, motor sport in general," he added.

"But now every series became very, very professional, and you need to take full dedication to each series, each driving style and things like that.

"I think hopefully soon I can tell you more of the plans."

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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.