Alonso returns to Indy 500 with McLaren

We thought that the association McLaren-Fernando Alonso had stopped at the same time as the role of ambassador of the Spanish pilot for the brand whose colors he defended for 5 years in Formula 1. At the end of December 2019.

More motivated than ever at the idea of ​​completing this Triple Crown of which he is only missing the American jewel, the Spaniard will nevertheless participate in the 104th edition of Indy 500 (May 24) with the car bearing the number 66 and fielded by the Arrow McLaren SP team, the 3rd after those already planned for the young Oliver Askew and Patricio O'Ward.

The livery of Alonso's car will be in the colors of the credit company Ruoff Mortgage, which already supported Takuma Sato during his victorious ride on the Yard of Bricks in 2017 with Andretti. 

The double Formula 1 world champion will try his luck for the third time on the plains of Indiana even if he only has one start after last year's fiasco where he was eliminated from the start. Bump Day procedure, which aims to reduce the grid to 3 cars. 

« I'm a competitor and the Indianapolis 500 is the greatest race in the world, Alonso said in comments reported by RACER. I love the fans and the extraordinary atmosphere that emerges and makes us all want to come back. I have immense respect for this event and all its participants. I want to give my best, as I always do. 

I looked at various options but the Arrow McLaren SP was always at the top of the list. I have a special relationship with McLaren: we have shared many things together. Strong bonds of loyalty have been forged between us.

I'm impressed with the new structure they've put in place to bring a performance car to life around a very strong engine partnership with Chevrolet. The team can rely on talented and experienced personnel as well as significant resources. I am convinced that we can be there. I can't wait to start the preparation work and collaborate with the two hopefuls Oliver and Pato ». 

For his first attempt at Indianapolis in 2017, with Andretti and a Honda engine, Alonso, who had knowingly missed the Monaco Grand Prix, qualified in the Top 5 and was in contention for victory before retiring with an engine problem. 21 laps to go.