IndyCar – Indianapolis 500 Miles: Alonso back with McLaren in 2019
Posted on November 11, 2018 at 8:45 a.m.
Mathieu WARNIER
While the idea of a complete IndyCar program has been ruled out, McLaren confirmed this Saturday the entry of a single-seater in its colors in the 2019 edition of the Indianapolis 500, with Fernando Alonso at the wheel.
Fernando Alonso will offer himself a new opportunity to complete the « Triple Crown ». Already winner of the Monaco Grand Prix in Formula 1 and winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans since last June with Toyota, the Spanish driver still has one race to win: the Indianapolis 500. After a first attempt in 2017 where, after leading the race, he had to give up following an engine failure, the double F1 world champion will once again be present at the start of the “biggest show in motorsport” in 2019. Few after the Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying session, McLaren confirmed via a press release its commitment with a single-seater at the wheel of which Fernando Alonso will take place for the 103rd edition of the Indy500 which will take place on May 26th. An announcement which confirms that, despite his departure from F1, where he will be replaced by his compatriot Carlos Sainz Jr within the Woking team, the Asturian remains linked to McLaren, a team for which he will have raced for five seasons.
We’re back. ??? #McLarenIndy pic.twitter.com/qoFN8Cd4hI
– McLaren Indy (@McLarenIndy) November 10, 2018
A commitment from McLaren and Alonso still unclear
While the entry into the 2017 edition was made with the support of the Andretti Autosport team and with a Honda engine, McLaren did not say anything about their plans, just saying everything would be revealed in due course. It is with this same team that Fernando Alonso recently did a test on the Barber circuit but, given the way in which the McLaren-Honda relationship ended in F1, there is nothing to indicate that the Japanese firm accepts. with good grace to provide an engine to its former partners. But, despite everything, Fernando Alonso does not hide his satisfaction to try his luck again. “I have made it clear for a long time that my desire is to complete the Triple Crown. In 2017 I had an amazing experience in Indianapolis and I knew deep in my heart that I would go back if the opportunity should arise., the Asturian said in the McLaren statement. I am particularly happy to go back with McLaren, who has always been my first choice if the team decides to do so., I am therefore delighted that they have made such a decision. This time, Fernando Alonso will not go into uncharted territory and will be an all the more serious candidate for victory.
