Alonso: “My right foot was doing what it wanted”

Fernando Alonso was finally able to test this Wednesday May 3 its IndyCar on the Indianapolis oval in preparation for his participation in the Indy 500 on the 28th of this month. The pilot McLaren-Honda-Andretti was able to complete the three required phases of the Rookie Orientation Program which consist of reaching average speeds on the American ring.

Although Fernando Alonso seemed to reach the minimum speeds without difficulty, the exercise nevertheless surprised him during the first laps.

« It was blowing quite a bit on the track. It’s also a good thing to know about the difficulties we can encounter here., commented Fernando Alonso. New tires help mask the problems, particularly the low level of downforce. So we trained by working with worn tires and different levels of support. I could feel the changes. »

“I wasn’t comfortable behind the wheel, admitted Fernando Alonso. I gained speed and the track seemed narrower and narrower. Everything looks bigger and easier on TV or on the simulator. I tested different lines, but I'm definitely not as confident as I will be on the track in a few weeks. »

“I have to admit that my right foot was doing what it wanted at the beginning, continued the McLaren driver. It was not connected to my brain. I wanted to go all out but my right foot refused. I am now more in control with my body and the car and I am able to accelerate hard. »