Alonso 'more complete' after manic 2018

Fernando Alonso says sampling three different motorsport categories in 2018 has helped him become a more complete driver than at any stage of his career. Alonso combined full-time schedules in Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship this past year, while also taking part in an IndyCar road test.

Although Alonso's pre-season predictions of returning to the F1 podium fell flat, he had plenty of reason to cheer as he won two WEC events – including the Le Mans 24 Hours – and dominated the intra-team battle at McLaren against Stoffel Vandoorne.

The two-time world champion outqualified Vandoorne at every race in 2018, something he partly attributed to his non-stop schedule.

"It's difficult to know exactly your speed in the car," said Alonso. "You only can follow the numbers, and this year it has been my best year by far in terms of qualifying battles.

"So, I feel I'm competitive and I'm fast. Probably, testing day in IndyCar and the WEC programme this year, I feel better driver, or a more complete driver.

View this post on Instagram

#indy500 #mclaren ????????

A post shared by Fernando Alonso (@fernandoalo_oficial) on Dec 10, 2018 at 8:03am PST

"I understand more the behaviour of the cars, other driving techniques, other ways of saving energy, saving the tyres.

"So, you have more information from the outside and other engineers, other points of view, that maybe makes you better, or [provides] a wider views of motorsport.

"Probably when you jump in the Formula 1 car, you have an extra opinion even if it's not totally useful in a Formula 1 car.

"The overall concepts of different philosophies, I think it helps you as a driver."

Victory at Le Mans means Alonso can become just the second man to win motorsport's 'Triple Crown' if he takes out the Indianapolis 500, with a 2019 return to the Brickyard already confirmed.

MORE: Vandoorne's Formula E debut couldn't have gone much worse...
MORE: Verstappen - Gasly roles confirmed by Red Bull