Fernando Alonso says he is in Formula One to win after dismissing rumours he might retire at some point this year.
On Tuesday Alonso completed his first day in the new McLaren-Honda MP4-31, taking to the track not long after an online bookmaker put out odds of 3/1 for him to retire at the end of the year.
A disappointing season in 2015 led to continuous rumours he might leave McLaren just one year after his return, but when asked directly if he would stay this year, Alonso said: "Of course, and next year as well.
"I'm absolutely surprised by the rumours. But all week there have been some rumours. I think that when there are too many weeks or months without action on the track then there is a dangerous tendency to be creative on the news. It's good now we are on track and hopefully there will be no more rumours."
Alonso said it was too early to judge his chances of winning races this year, but his objective is still clear.
"Sitting here [at testing] or last week or in the factory or even taking the plane to Australia, the ambition will be very high because I'm not here just to travel around the world and jump in the car to have some fun on Sunday, I'm here to win. I think all 22 drivers want the same and I am no different.
"There is not a crystal ball in Formula One where you can bet and know more or less which direction the year will go after the first day of testing. We need to wait until Australia when we are all in the same conditions with super-soft tyres and low fuel on the same track conditions. Even then, we need to wait two or three races to make sure how the year will turn for you."