McLaren F1 driver Alonso: IndyCar test will not decide 2019 plans
Fernando Alonso says his IndyCar test taking place shortly after announcing he will leave Formula 1 is "coincidence" and will not influence his decision to race in IndyCar next year
Autosport reported earlier this month that Alonso would likely test a 2018 Indycar with support from Andretti at Barber on September 5, following IndyCar's race at Portland this weekend, which has since been confirmed by McLaren CEO Zak Brown.
Alonso then admitted during his World Endurance Championship weekend at Silverstone that the test was an "option" before McLaren confirmed on Friday the private run would take place.
The McLaren driver said his IndyCar test was scheduled months ago, meaning it is not linked to his post-F1 future.
"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," he said.
"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 whether I do it [IndyCar] or not.
"It's just a test to have a bit of fun and to see what the cars are like with a normal configuration.
"But my decision for next year will not be based on Wednesday [the test day]. On Thursday I won't have a clearer picture.
"More or less I have everything decided in my head."
Alonso has previously stated he will not make a decision on his post-F1 future until "maybe October", although IndyCar had already told Autosport that it was working with McLaren on an expected two-car programme with Alonso as one of its drivers.
The finer details of the project are yet to be revealed, although a Chevrolet engine supply is expected despite Honda's keenness to work with Alonso again.
The IndyCar test is likely to be conducted with Andretti support at the venue where he first experienced IndyCar, having visited the Barber race weekend in the build-up to his 2017 Indianapolis 500 assault.
The 2019 IndyCar calendar, which is yet to be released, is not expected to clash with his remaining WEC commitments with the Toyota LMP1 squad.
IndyCar Portland: Sebastien Bourdais, Will Power top practices
IndyCar Portland: Power leads Penske qualifying 1-2, Dixon flounders
2021 IndyCar champion Palou joins McLaren as F1 reserve driver
2021 IndyCar champion Palou joins McLaren as F1 reserve driver 2021 IndyCar champion Palou joins McLaren as F1 reserve driver
Alonso: US GP protest decision will dictate if F1 is heading in "right direction"
Alonso: US GP protest decision will dictate if F1 is heading in "right direction" Alonso: US GP protest decision will dictate if F1 is heading in "right direction"
The story of the 2011 Italian Grand Prix
The story of the 2011 Italian Grand Prix The story of the 2011 Italian Grand Prix
Alonso explains “throwing me to the lions” radio rant in F1 Japanese GP
Alonso explains “throwing me to the lions” radio rant in F1 Japanese GP Alonso explains “throwing me to the lions” radio rant in F1 Japanese GP
The Alonso/Schumacher F1 traits McLaren sees in Piastri
The Alonso/Schumacher F1 traits McLaren sees in Piastri The Alonso/Schumacher F1 traits McLaren sees in Piastri
The extreme dedication enabling F1’s elder statesmen to prolong elite status
The extreme dedication enabling F1’s elder statesmen to prolong elite status The extreme dedication enabling F1’s elder statesmen to prolong elite status
Why Ferrari doesn’t agree with McLaren F1 fairytale revival
Why Ferrari doesn’t agree with McLaren F1 fairytale revival Why Ferrari doesn’t agree with McLaren F1 fairytale revival
McLaren: Red Bull “still a step too far” despite Norris F1 rallying call
McLaren: Red Bull “still a step too far” despite Norris F1 rallying call McLaren: Red Bull “still a step too far” despite Norris F1 rallying call
How McLaren has revamped its F1 team to become a contender again
How McLaren has revamped its F1 team to become a contender again How McLaren has revamped its F1 team to become a contender again
Discover how LEGO® Technic™ can reveal the secrets behind F1 engineering
Discover how LEGO® Technic™ can reveal the secrets behind F1 engineering Discover how LEGO® Technic™ can reveal the secrets behind F1 engineering
IndyCar race winner Kirkwood signs extension with Andretti Global
IndyCar race winner Kirkwood signs extension with Andretti Global IndyCar race winner Kirkwood signs extension with Andretti Global
Why Ferrari doesn’t agree with McLaren F1 fairytale revival
Why Ferrari doesn’t agree with McLaren F1 fairytale revival Why Ferrari doesn’t agree with McLaren F1 fairytale revival
Why Honda MotoGP team wouldn't block Marc Marquez's exit
Why Honda MotoGP team wouldn't block Marc Marquez's exit Why Honda MotoGP team wouldn't block Marc Marquez's exit
The long evolution of Dallara's Indy 500 winner
The long evolution of Dallara's Indy 500 winner The long evolution of Dallara's Indy 500 winner
Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives
Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives
How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled
How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled
Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021
Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021 Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021
How F1's other IndyCar exile finally unlocked his potential
How F1's other IndyCar exile finally unlocked his potential How F1's other IndyCar exile finally unlocked his potential
How Ganassi's relentless new champion outfoxed IndyCar's best
How Ganassi's relentless new champion outfoxed IndyCar's best How Ganassi's relentless new champion outfoxed IndyCar's best
Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?
Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up? Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?
Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing IndyCar win
Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing IndyCar win Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing IndyCar win
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.