Alonso begins preparation for 2019 Indy 500

  • Published on 10 Apr 2019 12:37
  • comments 1
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Fernando Alonso has started his preparing for the 103rd Indianapolis 500, which will be his second attempt at the race.

The Spaniard was at the Texas Motor Speedway on Tuesday, driving the Dallara IR18 that he will contest the gruelling race with. 

Two years ago, Alonso raced when McLaren, Honda and Andretti Autosport formed a joint entry. Alonso was in contention for the win before an engine problem put him out in the final quarter of the event.

But this year, McLaren is running on its own without the support of a more experienced team. 

"I guess it's going to be challenging, especially this year as I am not with the Andretti environment with their support," Alonso told Marca. "It's all by ourselves this year.

"I think it is quite important to set up everything as a team. Who does what in the team, also the pit wall, the facility is completely new for everyone and to try to solve as many problems here and at the test."

As he targets the Triple Crown of motorsport, he only has the Indy 500 to tick off, having found success at Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix.

When asked if he will return to Indy in the future if he fails to win the race this year, he said: "Well, it's a possibility, but I hope we will be competitive this year too.

 

And on the subject of a full IndyCar season, he said: "It was something we considered last year, but the season for me was very intense with the full WEC schedule and Daytona. It is not something to rule out for the future, but right now no."

Never thought I would see a McLaren with a Chevy engine. But I guess they could have gone down the route of Williams instead.

  • 2
  • Apr 10 2019 - 19:42
Photos Fernando Alonso IndyCar Texas test

Replies (1)

Login to reply
  • Never thought I would see a McLaren with a Chevy engine. But I guess they could have gone down the route of Williams instead.

    • + 2
    • Apr 10 2019 - 19:42

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

World Championship standings 2024

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
29 - Mar 2
Bahrain
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia
22 - Mar 24
Australia
5 - Apr 7
Japan
19 - Apr 21
China
3 - May 5
United States of America
17 - May 19
Italy
24 - May 26
Monaco
7 - Jun 9
Canada
21 - Jun 23
Spain
28 - Jun 30
Austria
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom
19 - Jul 21
Hungary
26 - Jul 28
Belgium
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands
30 - Sep 1
Italy
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan
20 - Sep 22
Singapore
18 - Oct 20
United States of America
25 - Oct 27
Mexico
1 - Nov 3
Brazil
22 - Nov 24
United States of America
29 - Dec 1
Qatar
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
29 - Mar 2
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24
Australia Albert Park
5 - Apr 7
19 - Apr 21
3 - May 5
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
17 - May 19
24 - May 26
Monaco Monte Carlo
7 - Jun 9
21 - Jun 23
28 - Jun 30
Austria Red Bull Ring
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom Silverstone
19 - Jul 21
Hungary Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
30 - Sep 1
Italy Monza
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
20 - Sep 22
18 - Oct 20
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
25 - Oct 27
1 - Nov 3
Brazil Interlagos
22 - Nov 24
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
29 - Dec 1
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Aston Martin
  • Points 533
  • Podiums 9
  • Grand Prix 149
  • Country ES
  • Date of b. Jul 29 1981 (42)
  • Place of b. Oviedo, ES
  • Weight 68 kg
  • Length 1.71 m
Show full profile
show sidebar