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FERNANDO ALONSO SIGNS ON TO STAY WITH MCLAREN

Fernando Alonso continues with McLaren - Photo: LAT

By Bruce Williams

Fernando Alonso continues with McLaren - Photo: LAT

Fernando Alonso continues with McLaren – Photo: LAT

McLaren have confirmed that Fernando Alonso has extended his relationship with the team, continuing with them in 2018.

It had been expected that Alonso would continue with the team, after McLaren terminated their Honda deal in favour of Renault. However, it was confirmed overnight that he would continue with the organisation “long-term”. Although specifics of the new deal were not released.

“It’s fantastic to be able to continue my relationship with everybody at McLaren. It was always where my heart was telling me to stay, and I really feel at home here. This is a fantastic team, full of incredible people, with a warmth and friendliness that I’ve never experienced elsewhere in Formula 1. I’m incredibly happy to be racing here.” said Alonso.

“Just as important, McLaren has the technical resource and financial strength to be able to very quickly win races and world championships in F1. Although the last few years have not been easy, we have never forgot-ten how to win, and I believe we can achieve that again soon.”

“The last three years have given us the momentum to plan and build for the future, and I’m looking forward to that journey.”

“I’m excited for our future together – and I’m already working hard to make it a success.”

"long-term" agreement for Fernando Alonso at McLaren - Photo: LAT

“long-term” agreement for Fernando Alonso at McLaren – Photo: LAT

McLaren’s Racing Director Eric Boullier was delighted to retain Alonso.

“With Fernando, you really can’t ask for a better driver to deliver a result for you on a Sunday afternoon – and I think everybody in Formula 1 would acknowledge that sentiment.” said Boullier.

“He’s always been clear to me that this is a team he loves, and that his heart has always been set on staying. Today’s announcement shows that he’s fully committed to racing and winning as a McLaren driver, and, while we’ve often shared his frustrations over the past few years, we now feel that we can deliver on our promise to give him a competitive car next sea-son.

“Consistency of driver line-up is one of those small but essential elements that really helps a team to maintain momentum, and, with Fernando and Stoffel, we’re lucky to be writing a fresh chapter with what we believe to be the best driver line-up in Formula 1.”

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