I'll only watch NASCAR on TV - Alonso

Former world champion Fernando Alonso has been discussing his busy schedule for 2018, which not only involves racing in his usal slot for McLaren in the F1 season, but also racing in Le Mans and making a return to Daytona for the Indy 500

The Spaniard has set himself the target of landing the Triple Crown of winning the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indy 500 and also the Le Mans race before the end of his career.

But when pressed on his potential involvement in NASCAR at some point, Alonso was emphatic in his response that he would only be watching from afar.

He told Speed Week: "Those cars require a unique driving style which can only be acquired through a lot of practice and I do not have that many free weekends.

"But after the 24 hour here I'm sure I'll watch the Nascar race, but that will be my only step towards Nascar -- watching on TV."

Alonso also added that despite the fact he has plans to take part in many other disciplines across the year, his focus will always be on F1 - and he feels that with the new Renault engine McLaren could be competitive at the front of the grid once again.

He added: "Of course I focus first and foremost on Formula 1 and the goal of winning a third world title. With the Renault power unit we should be able to get involved at the front again. However, I also have plans for classic events that do not overlap with the F1 calendar.

"This race is the first step in endurance racing and of course I hope I like it because Le Mans is another goal of mine.

"If Le Mans works out this year, it would be great and hopefully next year I could be back at the Indy 500."