Alonso to fight on in Austin

Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso and Ferrari have ended the fevered speculation about the Spaniard's participation in this weekend's US grand prix.

Since Abu Dhabi, Alonso has been reportedly struggling with back pain as a result of his harsh impact over the kerbs in a duel with Jean-Eric Vergne.

It was rumoured Ferrari was lining up Jules Bianchi or Pedro de la Rosa as last-minute substitutes for the injured 'number 1'.

But Alonso told his millions of Twitter and Facebook fans late on Monday that he is getting on a plane bound for Texas.

"Packing the bag for Austin," he wrote from his home in Spain.

"(I have) some pain still, but eager and confident to help the team. I will try to give 100 per cent as always!"

Welcoming the news, Ferrari said in a report on its official website that anyone doubting Alonso's dedication to the Maranello based team "should think again".

The fabled Italian outfit confirmed Alonso had suffered a "compression injury" in Abu Dhabi, and will not be "in perfect shape" this weekend in Austin.

"I am pleased to see that Fernando is so keen to give it his all, even when he's not at his best," president Luca di Montezemolo is quoted as saying.

"It shows how attached he is to us and I am sure that his example will be a further boost for the whole team in its efforts to end this season in the best way possible."

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