Alonso says his schedule would be 'impossible' for some drivers

Fernando Alonso has defended his extremely busy 2018 schedule in which he will be spreading himself over Formula One duties as well as competing in the World Endurance Championship and Le Mans, but did mention it would be 'impossible' for some drivers to cope with the gruelling year.

The Spaniard has not hidden his desire to claim the motorsport 'triple crown' which includes victories at Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500, and the Monaco Grand Prix.

The Formula One season this year is set to be the biggest ever, with 21 confirmed Grand Prix races over the course of the campaign. Some figures in the sport have expressed their concern that Alonso may be spreading himself too thin, but the driver himself has defended his ability to handle the schedule.

"No, I'm not grey yet," Alonso joked when asked if he would have trouble dealing with the schedule at 36-years-old.

"Seriously, I'm physically well. Ok, ten years ago facing a challenge like this would have been very difficult or even impossible or a mistake."

"But now I am 100 per cent sure I can face it. With the way I know formula one, other categories like the Indy 500, even the way I need to travel, I'm ready now. That's why a programme like this has never been done. It's almost impossible. Only at certain moments of your sports career, such as where I am now, can it be done, and then not everyone can do it."

With so many races coming thick and fast over the season, Alonso has highlighted the importance of taking things day to day and making sure every aspect of his cars, in all disciplines, are ticking over nicely.

"This year it will be important to have every detail clear," he continued. "Now, the whole year will have to be designed almost day to day to get to November for the last grand prix in a very strong condition."