Alonso to race in Indianapolis 500!

[Sykes]

I'm definitely going to be tuning in this year...!

The surprise move has come against the backdrop of a disappointing start to the 2017 Formula 1 season for the Spaniard, with the McLaren-Honda package not delivering all that had been hoped.

However, despite Monaco perhaps offering McLaren its best chance of a result early in the campaign, the lure of contesting the iconic Indy 500 has proved too much for Alonso.

Following weeks of secret talks involving Honda, McLaren and Alonso, agreement has been reached for the two-time F1 champion to race in a McLaren-Honda entry run by Andretti Autosport, which will be painted in McLaren's iconic orange livery.

It will be Alonso’s first attempt on IndyCar’s most famous race and his first experience of oval racing.

“I’m immensely excited that I’ll be racing in this year’s Indy 500, with McLaren, Honda and Andretti Autosport," said the Spaniard.

“The Indy 500 is one of the most famous races on the global motorsport calendar, rivalled only by the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Monaco Grand Prix, and it’s of course a regret of mine that I won’t be able to race at Monaco this year.

"But Monaco will be the only 2017 Grand Prix I’ll be missing, and I’ll be back in the cockpit of the McLaren-Honda MCL32 for the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal in early June.

“I’ve never raced an IndyCar car before, and neither have I ever driven on a superspeedway, but I’m confident that I’ll get to grips with it fast.

"I’ve watched a lot of IndyCar action on TV and online, and it’s clear that great precision is required to race in close proximity with other cars on the far side of 220mph."

McLaren has yet to officially confirm who will replace Alonso for the clashing Monaco F1 race, but retired 2009 champion Jenson Button is considered the favourite to land the seat.

Source:
Motorsport.com

[g-m]

Wtf, oval 'racing'?

[rage2]

I watch Indy 500 every year. Looking forward to crashgate 2.0 and Alonso winning it all haha.

Fucking Honda curse. Engine so bad their star driving would rather race Indy 500 than the crown jewel F1 race lol. At least Honda is competitive in Indycar.

Or maybe it's the Alonso curse, and Honda cars have reliability issues at Indy 500 while McLaren wins Monaco.

[mikestypes]

Honda was fast at Long Beach this past weekend, but they did blow up a couple times so it is entirely possible!

[speedog]

Originally posted by g-m
Wtf, oval 'racing'?

Ha, next step is racing under the lights at Bristol with all the redheaded stepchildren. You know, I know it, it's inevitable - the lure of being another Ricky Bobby will be just too great.

[Sentry]

He just wants to go fast

[schocker]

Now I will watch this. Wonder who will race in his place at monaco, Button?

[Inzane]

Can someone please explain what the big deal is about the Indy 500?

It's just a big fucking oval. Why is it considered the "most famous race in the world"?

[speedog]

Originally posted by Inzane
Can someone please explain what the big deal is about the Indy 500?

It's just a big fucking oval. Why is it considered the "most famous race in the world"?

From Wikipedia...

One of the oldest existing purpose-built automobile racing circuits in the United States, still in use, is the 2.5-mile (4.02 km)-long Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana. It is the largest capacity sports venue of any variety worldwide, with a top capacity of some 257,000+ seated spectators.

Plus it's a race that dates back over 100 years, is there any other single auto racing event that's been run at the same facility that can make claim to such a long history. Now is the Indy 500 high on my list of forms of racing to watch, nope but I will record and watch it as it is a spectacle in itself.

[OTown]

Its probably a once in a lifetime opportunity for him seeing as he will likely retire in the next few years. Tough to pass up monaco though.

[SKR]

Originally posted by Inzane
Can someone please explain what the big deal is about the Indy 500?

It's just a big fucking oval. Why is it considered the "most famous race in the world"?

You don't have to like it, but you can't be a racing fan and not understand ovals.

[flipstah]

Let's go McLaren! Apparently the Indy500 motor is also Honda? They should put that in the F1 car lol

[phreezee]

I don't care about Indy, but I hope Button is racing in Monaco!

[phreezee]

[Hallowed_point]

Wow..thanks for posting. This is exciting

[cycosis]

Button confirmed

http://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/39589767

[speedog]

Fernando wants to win other series and other famous races. And now Lewis is in the news talking about MotoGP and the Daytona 500 as things he'd like to try out. I think it would be great to see these two try their hand in a stock car, Pablo's done it so recently why not others?

[r3ccOs]

Originally posted by SKR


You don't have to like it, but you can't be a racing fan and not understand ovals.

cuz rubbin's racing son

that said, Nascar/stockcar on an Oval... sure but an opened wheel racer, where the pedigree are typically graduates of carting and formula racing... why insist on keeping a substantial % of your races on power ovals

[Chris Elyea]

"Honda has a strong mower engine that will finally allow me to be competitive against the 19-year-olds. And lawn care comes with easy access to deck chairs, which I also enjoy," stated Fernando.

[SKR]

Originally posted by r3ccOs


cuz rubbin's racing son

that said, Nascar/stockcar on an Oval... sure but an opened wheel racer, where the pedigree are typically graduates of carting and formula racing... why insist on keeping a substantial % of your races on power ovals

I guess because Indycar's pedigree is the Indy 500. I didn't know until only a couple years ago that they raced on other ovals. I always knew about Indy of course, but I just assumed that was the only one. I have never thought about it much but yeah, you're right, I don't think many Indycar drivers grew up racing Saturday night dirt tracks in the south.

I think racing is racing, doesn't matter what it's in, which way they turn, or if they turn at all.