Indycar legend Mears: New aero rules will suit not hinder Alonso’s Indy 500 victory chances
Indycar legend Rick Mears says the more difficult new-for-2018 Indycar will suit Mclaren’s Fernando Alonso better in his second attempt on the Indianapolis 500 in 2019.
Alonso led laps in his first Indy 500 back in 2017, driving for an Andretti Autosport-supported Mclaren entry, before an engine failure prevented him from being a factor in the racedeciding late laps.
The two-time Formula 1 world champion adapted quickly to the car in the Month of May, aided by Andretti’s dominance during the downforce-heavy manufacturer aerokit era – a point Sebastien Bourdais made earlier this year.
In 2018 Indycar reduced the downforce dramatically and changed the Indy 500 from a pack-like race into a more single-file style event, with the lack of aero grip leading several star names to spin out and crash during the race.
But Mears believes the radical change will not impact Alonso.
“I actually think the current cars will suit him better,” said three-time Indycar champion Mears who works with the Penske team.
“From listening to our drivers and others, this car gives better feel, better feedback, which should help someone with less experience.
“Yes, it’s harder to drive now, more twitchy, more difficult in traffic, and so on.
“But Alonso is one of the great racers: he’s like a Mario [Andretti], Parnelli [Jones], A.J. Foyt – you know he’s going to step into any racecar and be quick.”
Mclaren has confirmed that it has opened negotiations with Alonso to have him test its next F1 challenger for 2019.