Alonso returning to Indy 500 in 2019

Fernando Alonso will compete in the Indy 500 for the second time next year while continuing to be entered under the colors of McLaren. The Spaniard had been fighting for victory in 2017 before having to retire in the last part of the race.

“I have indicated for a long time that I wanted to win the Triple Crown, commented the winner of the Monaco GP and 24 Hours of Le Mans. I had an incredible experience in 2017 and I knew deep down that I had to come back if the opportunity presented itself. I'm particularly keen to come back with McLaren. This was always my first choice if the team decided to do it. It's a difficult race where I will face the best. But we are competitors and that's why we run. »

WE’RE BACK. #mclarenIndy pic.twitter.com/RJaBYCAO8N

- Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) November 10, 2018

McLaren has already won 3 victories at the Indianapolis 500 in the 1970s.

“We are delighted to return to the Brickyard and this incredible event, added Zak Brown, director of McLaren Racing. McLaren has a long history with the Indianapolis 500 and we feel like we're not done yet with Fernando. It's never easy there, we have the greatest respect for the race and its participants. We therefore have no illusions. But McLaren and more than ever Fernando are competitors and we are going there! »

McLaren, however, did not specify what partnership it would establish for its commitment. If Fernando Alonso had played last year with the McLaren-Andretti-Honda team, his full-time presence in WEC with Toyota risks complicating discussions, particularly with the two Japanese manufacturers.

We're back. #McLarenIndy pic.twitter.com/ReZmkyh1zu

— McLaren Indy (@McLarenIndy) November 10, 2018