Alonso expecting 'magic atmosphere' in Austin

Fernando Alonso may be a frequent visitor to the United States these days through his participation in Indycar, but with the upcoming USA GP set to be his last in Formula 1 due to his exit from the sport after this season, he is expecting a magical event.

The Spaniard will leave F1 after the conclusion of the 2018 campaign in order to pursue his goal of the motorsport 'triple crown' which includes victories at the Monaco GP, the Indy 500, and Le Mans, meaning that, including this weekend, he has four races remaining behind the wheel of his McLaren.

Alonso has praised the Circuit of the Americas as one of his favourite tracks, and revealed his desire to perform well in front of the American fans.

“I’m very happy to go back to the US," Alonso told the F1 website.

"I obviously raced there in January at Daytona, and then I went to Barber in Alabama a few weeks ago for the Indycar test. Now, I’m going to another circuit – one of my favourite ones, Austin – for the last time in Formula 1 in the US.

“I’m ready to enjoy the magic atmosphere there. For me, it’s always very nice to race in front of the American fans. Hopefully we can get back into the points that we need for the constructors’ championship, to help the team and to give us a boost in motivation.

Before the start of the 2018 season, McLaren were tipped to become perhaps the fourth best team on the grid behind the elite trio of Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull due to their engine change from Honda to Renault.

???????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/TvfSgf8V9V — McLaren (@McLarenF1) 15 October 2018

They have performed below expectations and find themselves sixth in the constructors' rankings with four races to go, but Alonso is hoping for a late surge up the rankings, starting in Austin.

“We had a good race in Singapore a few weeks ago, but we weren’t in the points in the last two races, so in Austin we want to change that," he continued.

"It’s going to be a fun weekend and I’m also looking forward to seeing a lot of friends there.”

MORE: Ricciardo looking forward to 'ribs, brisket, and nachos' in USA
MORE: Ferrari can't handle the pressure of title drought - Massa