Alonso happy after Indy 500 practice

CHICAGO: Fernando Alonso shrugged off searing temperatures to post the fastest rookie time during practice for the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday.

The Formula One star, who jetted into the United States less than 24 hours after finishing 12th in the Spanish Grand Prix, completed 36 laps on the famous oval at a best average speed of 221.63mph.

The former Formula One world champion admitted he had feared the blazing hot sunshine and temperatures around 32 degrees Celsius might be a problem before climbing into his McLarenHonda-Andretti.

“I was a little bit concerned about the temperature, as it was much hotter today than at the test we did here on May 3,” Alonso said.

“But the car felt as good as it did at the test, and I was able to make some setup changes without losing the confidence in the car.”

Under Indy 500 rules, practice sessions and qualifying are governed by top average speed. The opening session is for rookies and returning drivers who have not raced in the event for a significant time.

Alonso’s top average speed was just faster than compatriot Oriol Servia, who had an average speed of 353.20kmph