Full-time 2019 IndyCar drive "never in my plans" - Alonso

The retiring Fernando Alonso has revealed that a full-time switch to IndyCar was "never in (his) plans" for next season.

McLaren confirmed recently that they will not be joining the series for next season - with rumours that Alonso could stay with the same team despite moving across sports.

It was announced in August that the Spanish veteran will be retiring from Formula One at the end of the season, and though it is yet to be announced, it looks almost certain that the McLaren driver will be making the switch to IndyCar.

Zak Brown revealed on Friday, though, that his McLaren side are "not ready" to enter a full-time team. Alonso says that this announcement has no bearing on his future.

"I've known it since August, so what was said doesn't affect my future plans the least, as I've known it for a couple of months," Alonso said. "I went there and tested an IndyCar in September just to know how the cars felt like, but there was no hidden agenda, no other plan for the future.

"Zak announced it, I've read people saying this was a setback for me but it wasn't, because it was never in my plans to do a full IndyCar season, so nothing changed for me.

"My programme for next year has been clear to me for many months, but we need to put things together, do a crossover of many plans and when it will always be settled we'll make this announcement."