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Alonso has 'a clear idea' of what he'll be doing next

Fernando Alonso's future is as clear as blue water, according to the man himself who played down the prospect of a return to the F1 grid in 2020.

Alonso, who left Grand Prix racing at the end of last year and concluded his tenure with Toyota in the WEC last month after clinching a second win at Le Mans, has been frequently mentioned by F1's silly season pundits, with outlandish claims placing the Spaniard at Red Bull or at Ferrari.

However, speaking this week at the launch of the eSports 'Liberbank Challenge', the two-time world champion suggested that F1 isn't part of his plans moving forward.

"In recent years, what F1 can offer me on a personal level is not attractive enough," Alonso said.

"It was an exceptional stage for me, but today I do not find in F1 the challenges I can get outside it.

"I have a clear idea of what I am going to do," he added.

"I do not leave doors open and I am not waiting or looking for anyone to call me.

"I always chose where and when I wanted to race, because I move based on what makes me happy. What I do in the future is in my head and it will be known in due time."

©Toyota

Alonso's focus could return to the Indy 500 in 2020 as the 37-year-old pursues his Triple Crown ambitions, although its unclear if the Spaniard would tackle the event with McLaren following the team's debacle at the Brickyard back in May.

An assault on the Dakar rally raid event, which appeared on the cards after Alonso's test in South Africa with a Toyota Hilux, now seems only a remote prospect.

"It's an attractive event, the most important, but also opposite to my qualities or way of driving," he said.

"I've never competed on gravel and attempting the toughest rally in the world suddenly would be something extreme."

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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.

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