ALONSO TO RETURN TO INDY 500 WITH MCLAREN IN 2019
Fernando Alonso will return to the Indianapolis 500 with Mclaren in 2019 as he bids to complete motorsport’s unofficial triple crown.
The two-time Formula 1 world champion will step away from Mclaren’s grand prix team at the end of this season, but it was announced during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend he would return to compete in the Indy 500 next year.
Alonso competed with Indycar team Andretti Autosport in 2017, leading for 27 laps before retiring in the closing stages of the race while still in contention for victory.
Since then the Spaniard has won the Le Mans 24 Hours with Toyota earlier this year as part of the World Endurance Championship’s 2018-19 super-season to claim the second part of the triple crown.
“I’ve made clear for some time my desire to achieve the triple crown,” Alonso said.
“I had an incredible experience at Indianapolis in 2017 and I knew in my heart of hearts I had to go back if the opportunity was there.
“I’m especially glad to be returning with Mclaren. This was always my first choice if the team decided to do it, so I’m delighted they’ve decided to go ahead.
“It’s a tough race and we’ll be up against the best, so it will be a huge challenge.”
Although Alonso’s 2017 Indy attempt was run in conjunction with Andretti, Mclaren announced its effort will be a “separate team” rather than an affiliation.
The Mclaren Racing Indycar squad is expected to again use some Andretti support in 2019 but will be run with direct Mclaren involvement and an expected Chevrolet engine deal.