PARIS, Feb 27 — Two-time former world champion Fernando Alonso will continue to work with McLaren as an ambassador and a car tester for the next two years after retiring from Formula 1 in November, the manufacturer announced today.

The Spaniard, a winner in 2005 and 2006 raced for the Woking-based constructor in 2007 and between 2015-2018 but will keep racing at the Indianapolis 500 this year looking to secure motorsport’s Triple Crown having already won a Monaco Grand Prix and a Le Mans 24.

“I said before I stopped racing in Formula 1 last year that I see myself with McLaren for a long-time to come, so I am delighted at this new role and the ability to stay closely involved with the team I feel is my spiritual home” 37-year-old Alonso said in a statement.

“For any race team, having someone of Fernando’s class on hand to provide support through his experience is of huge value,” McLaren’s chief executive Zak Brown said.

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“His insights and perspective will be welcomed by both our drivers and engineers alike, while his stature and character remain highly appealing to our partners and fans,” Brown added. — AFP