2017 'very important' for Alonso, McLaren and F1

Jun.9 (GMM) Fernando Alonso says 2017 will be an "important year" for many reasons.

We have already quoted the Spaniard this week as declaring that if he does not enjoy the faster and more aggressive next generation of cars in 2017, he may turn his attention to another challenge like winning Le Mans.

"Next year will be very important," the former two-time world champion told Brazil's UOL Esporte.

"There is no doubt it will be a very important year for McLaren, for this (McLaren-Honda) project and also for formula one, because in recent years there has been a negative trend for the category.

"We have changed engines, TV agreements -- today there is more money from TV but there are less viewers. We have less noise from the cars.

"So next year will be very important for the sport and, in my case, it will be no different," Alonso added.

Indeed, the 34-year-old's three-year McLaren contract ends next year.

"I have a contract with McLaren," he confirmed, "and so I will see how the cars are, how attractive they are from a driver's point of view and then I will make a decision about my future."

Alonso also hinted that he may soon turn his attention to the "dangerous hobby" of starting a family.

"Seriously, having a family would be something good. Finding a good woman will probably be my greatest goal after I leave F1," he said.