Alonso: 'Unique' Brown doing 'great things' for F1

Fernando Alonso believes that McLaren Formula 1 boss Zak Brown is doing "great things for the sport" by allowing him to race in other events such as the Indianapolis 500 and the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Alonso will make his sports car racing debut later this month at Daytona ahead of a possible entry to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, and enjoyed his first taste of IndyCar last year when he entered the Indy 500.

The Spaniard is aiming to become the second driver in history to win the 'triple crown of motorsport', and is leading active F1 driver with interests outside of the series.

Alonso hailed the influence of Brown in being allowed to enter such events, and said he feels it is having a positive impact on F1 as well by promoting it in other series and markets, recognising the value in wider motorsport.

"He’s a very unique boss. He has this wider vision of motorsport, he’s a commercial genius," Alonso said.

"He helped McLaren a lot in the last two years, and now he’s not helping McLaren, I think he’s helping motorsport in general.

"So I completely share his vision. He’s not only my boss, he’s my friend as well.

"I think he’s doing great things for the sport."

Alonso doubts other F1 drivers will follow his lead by racing in other series, believing his escapades are only possible because of how both Brown and the McLaren team view wider motorsport.

"I can do it because with Zak Brown and McLaren, they have maybe a different vision, a little bit more wide vision of motorsport, and I share that vision as well," Alonso explained.

"We are expanding a little bit the McLaren brand as well in motorsport, and we try to do it together.

"I think for other drivers in Formula 1, it will be difficult to get that vision."