Alonso at Indy 500: “Victory will be another step”

Fernando Alonso made the headlines in entering with McLaren-Honda and Andretti Autosport at the Indianapolis 500 next May 28. The double world champion will miss the Monaco Grand Prix held on the same day, but will mark the return of the firm Woking on the famous American event after more than three decades.

The Asturian has expressed his ambitions to win the “Triple Crown” with victory in the Monaco GP (won in 2006 and 2007), the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“I love motorsport and that’s what motivates me to aim for the “Triple Crown”, commented Fernando Alonso at a press conference held in the paddock of the Bahrain GP. These are the most beautiful races in the world and I want to take part in them. Victory over each of them will be yet another milestone. I am aware that it is a big challenge 7 weeks before the start of the Indy 500. I am in the unknown regarding the technique and the strategy in this discipline, but I am certain that I will be ready because I am very motivated. It's just a wildcard entry, but who knows what the future holds? »

Fernando Alonso remains aware that his lack of experience risks being detrimental to his hopes of victory, even if Alexander Red made an impression by winning the 100th edition for his rookie season.

“I'm not going there with the ambition to win, I want to take advantage of the experience by showing that we are going there as a team made up of McLaren-Honda-Fernando. With Zak (Brown, the executive director of McLaren Technology Group) who is American and who wants to win the Indy 500 and Éric (Boullier, the Team Principal of McLaren-Honda) who is French and who wants to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, It’s like having two friends that you love very much”, commented with second degree Fernando Alonso.

Alonso regrets his absence in Monaco

Fernando Alonso regrets not being able to compete in the Monaco Grand Prix where the weaknesses of the Mclaren MCL32 are the least penalizing among the other events on the calendar.

“It’s sad to miss the Monaco GP because it’s a magnificent event and it’s my favorite race on the calendar. Over the last two years, we have obtained the best result of the season with our package. Unfortunately, this is the event that takes place on the same day as the Indy 500. I'm sure whoever replaces me will do a good job.", assured Fernando Alonso.

Fernando Alonso will travel to the USA to follow the Alabama GP contested at the Barber Motorsports Park on April 23, between the Grand Prix of Bahrain (April 16) and Russia (April 30).