McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz have welcomed the new role given to Fernando Alonso within the team for 2019 and beyond.

During this week's final test in Barcelona, the Spaniard was in attendance as part of his position as a McLaren ambassador which will also see him advise the British team and test the MCL34 at selected tests.

But rather than be perhaps concerned that Alonso is still lurking and considering a return to Formula 1, both drivers see his presence as very positive for McLaren.

"Having Fernando on the team is fantastic," Norris, who has struck a close relationship with the Spaniard, was quoted by El Mundo Deportivo.

"He has experience, he thinks about things that I do not know yet and just being here has helped us. Even when he doesn't drive, there are things that can help me with my driving or the performance of the car. 

"We have to be grateful that he is part of the team again and hopefully he can help us at some races too."

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Teammate Sainz also enjoys a bond with Alonso, having considered him a hero and a mentor through his career, and even claimed a seat in the car during pre-season would have been open to him.

"I wouldn't have worried," he said. "Having a guy like Fernando testing the car is a good thing for the team. We think he's a very good reference for comparing this car with last year's."