McLaren have confirmed that Fernando Alonso will drive the team's 2019 car during testing following the Bahrain Grand Prix. Alonso will be at the wheel of the MCL34 in a tyre test ran in conjunction with Pirelli in Sakhir next week.
Alonso has been linked with a return to McLaren more or less since the end of the 2018 season, which saw him step away from Formula 1 in order to chase the 'Triple Crown' and other ambitions.
However, it was confirmed earlier this year that Alonso would get his hands on both McLaren's 2019 and 2020 cars as part of an ambassadorial role.
Alongside the MCL34, we'll be running a test car for Pirelli at the #BahrainGP in-season test. Here's our line-up. ⬇️#MCL34 📅 Tues- Carlos AM Lando PM 📅 Weds- Lando@pirellisport 📅 Tues- Fernando 📅 Weds- Carlos AM Fernando PM pic.twitter.com/Rnat905fhi
Two-time world champion Alonso has not ruled out returning to F1 next year if he is able to secure a seat at a competitive team, having grown frustrated at McLaren's inability to fight at the front after returning in 2015.
He will enter the Indianapolis 500 later this year with McLaren, as he looks to match Graham Hill's unique feat of winning IndyCar's flagship race, the Monaco Grand Prix and the Le Mans 24 Hours.
He has also hinted at a future tilt at the Dakar Rally, having tested Toyota's machinery used in the legendary off-road race this week.
GP BAHRAIN
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24 - 26 May
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7 - 9 Jun
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21 - 23 Jun
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28 - 30 Jun
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5 - 7 Jul
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