When will Fernando Alonso announce his next move?

Fernando Alonso has ruled out making a snap decision over his future, saying he is unlikely to announce his plan for 2019 for "a couple of months". Alonso has confirmed he will not race in Formula 1 next season after 17 years in the premier category.

With chances to win races, or even score podiums, evaporating at McLaren in recent years, Alonso has sought stimulation form other series, taking part in last year's Indianapolis 500 and adding a full 2018-19 World Endurance Championship schedule to an already packed F1 calendar.

Victory at the Le Mans 24 hours this year means Alonso needs to win the Indy 500 in order to secure motorsport's 'Triple Crown' and match Graham Hill's unique achievement.

A full-time switch to IndyCar is therefore an understandable favourite, but the Spaniard says a quick decision is unlikely.

"I'm thinking. Probably this is bad news, but I will not probably decide or be ready to confirm anything [for] a couple of months, maybe October or something like that," Alonso said.

"It's going to be a long wait, and a lot of predictions!"

Alonso confirmed reports that he could road test 2018-spec IndyCar machinery next month, but says it will not sway a decision over his future too much

"There is that possibility that came to place in the last couple of days, so I will think and I will decide," Alonso said.

"It could be interesting, because I obviously enjoyed a lot last year the Indy 500. I don't know that car in a normal setup, in a normal circuit, so it can be a possibility.

"But first of all, I want to take time to digest the retirement from Formula 1. Obviously our priority this weekend is the WEC, because one of the reasons to join the super season was to become world champion. Le Mans was the first priority.

"With the super season, you have two attempts at Le Mans. We won on it in the first one, but the second priority was to become world champion, and that's right now the biggest thing.

"Also next year, there was the clash with Sebring and Australia, so now there is not anymore, so even more priority to WEC and the world championship possibility."