Alonso thrilled after ‘Happy Hour’

TORONTO: Fernando Alonso survived his first Brickyard “Happy Hour” on Tuesday, the twice Formula One world champion getting a taste of what he can expect when he lines up for the Indianapolis 500 later this month.

The practice session was just the third at the track for Alonso, who will miss the Monaco Grand Prix to race the Indy 500.

Alonso completed 117 laps in his McLaren Honda Andretti Autosport around the sprawling 4km oval and also got a feel for what it might be like on race day, participating in what is known as “Happy Hour.”

The final 60 minutes of the daylong practise session saw most of the 33 cars attempting to qualify for the May 28 classic simulating race conditions.

“It was good, very positive and productive day,” said Alonso, who has put learning to drive in the traffic and turbulence as his biggest challenge.

“We did a lot of laps, a lot of learning, some group running, finally