McLaren respond after Alonso visits factory

McLaren sporting director Gil de Ferran has stopped short of confirming that Fernando Alonso will test for the team in the forthcoming Formula 1 preseason tests in Barcelona, despite the double world champion being spotted at McLaren's Woking factory over the weekend.

It invigorated speculation Alonso may test the British team's 2019 car next week, following an invitation by McLaren boss Zak Brown.

When asked if Alonso will test, De Ferran told AS: "We don't know yet, we'll see."

But he said that Alonso's recent Daytona win only underscored his talent.

"I have always said that for me Fernando is one of the best drivers in history."

????????????@alo_oficial back at @McLarenF1 HQ!

We wonder why...#F1 pic.twitter.com/C4bBye6pO7 — GP Fans Global (@GPFansGlobal) February 10, 2019

De Ferran also cleared up some uncertainty about his ongoing McLaren role, as it has emerged that he will also be CEO of the new off-road series Extreme E.

"I will not have a day to day role in Extreme E, but obviously I would love to see that it is successful," he said.

"I support Alejandro [Agag] and his team with the best of my abilities."

And whether Alonso is in Barcelona or not, De Ferran said McLaren's goal is to improve compared to 2018.

"Obviously, to know how competitive the car is going to be with the new rules, we have to wait and see it in the Barcelona tests," he said.

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