Alonso invited to test McLaren by Norris, Sainz

Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz have talked up the prospect of Fernando Alonso returning to McLaren in 2019 to test next season's car. Alonso will turn his back on Formula 1 next year in order to chase the 'Triple Crown' in Indianapolis.

Rookie Norris has been paired with Sainz, who will enter his fifth F1 campaign as McLaren's team leader while replacing his close friend Alonso.

McLaren chief Zak Brown has previously invited Alonso to take part in pre-season testing with the team, and it is something that both drivers would welcome, despite the possibility of losing track time.

"I think [Alonso's input] will be very valuable," Norris said. "He's got the best idea how the car's changed over the years, the best experience of what's good and what's bad, a lot more than I do.

"I don't know what's going to happen, if he's still going to be part of much. He's still part of McLaren. It's up to him.

"It would be cool. Of course I would like to have as many days [in the car] as possible but if everyone comes to a decision and thinks it's for the good of the whole team and his feedback will be just as important as mine or Carlos', then I think it's a good thing."

Alonso will take part in the 24 Hours of Daytona in January, before returning to his WEC commitments with Toyota in March, currently leaving him free through February to visit F1's pre-season action in Barcelona.

"It's something that for sure is in McLaren's interests, or also Fernando's interests to keep himself active," said Sainz.

"It's a decision more up to the management than to ourselves, but I wouldn't see it with bad eyes.

"I would see it as a good thing to have a driver like Fernando comparing cars."

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