Fernando Alonso will test for McLaren at some point this season, the team has announced.

The 37-year-old will participate in “selected tests to support the development of MCL34 and MCL35 for 2020,” according to the team.

Alonso, who stood down from its F1 race team at the end of last year, will remain associated with McLaren as its brand ambassador. Alonso will also drive McLaren’s entry in the Indianapolis 500 this May.

“Becoming a McLaren ambassador is a true honour,” said Alonso. “It is a special team, and despite the challenges we have endured recently, it remains so.

“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.”

Alonso first drove for McLaren in 2007, winning four races, but split from the team in acrimonious circumstances at the end of the year after his involvement in revealing the ‘spygate’ affair came to light.

He surprised many by returning to McLaren in 2015 to drive its Honda-powered car. However the partnership with the Japanese manufacturer began poorly and ended after three years. Alonso continued to drive for the team with Renault power last season.

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

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free

2019 F1 season