Woking (England), Dec 11 (IANS): McLaren Thursday announced two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso as their second driver alongside Jenson Button for the 2015 season.

Driver Magnussen dropped to reserve driver for the British team. The 22-year-old Magnussen was dropped after one season and will now be the test and reserve driver.

Button, who won the driver's title in 2009 with Brawn, heads into his sixth year with McLaren and 16th year in F1 making him the most experienced driver on the grid.

"I am very pleased to have been invited to do my bit," said Button. "In fact, I am absolutely raring to go," Button was quoted as saying by the BBC Thursday.

Alonso spoke of his enthusiasm at joining Mclaren and getting a chance to drive alongside Button.

"I am joining this project with enormous enthusiasm and determination, knowing that it may require some time to achieve the results we are aiming for, which is no problem for me," said Alonso.