The 2004/5 F1 world champ may not have made his 2019 racing plans clear as yet, but Alonso returns to the Indy 500 for the second time in 2019. McLaren confirmed that: “It’s a case of unfinished business for us with Fernando”. To make amends McLaren Racing will contest the 103rd Indianapolis 500 with Fernando Alonso at the wheel.

Click here to read about the latest addition to the F1 calendar.

Triple crown

2019 will be Alonso’s second attempt to win one of the world’s most famous motor races. In 2017 Alonso contested the Indianapolis 500 with McLaren. The Spaniard led for several periods before being forced to retire in the closing stages of the race.  McLaren has won the Indy 500 three times: once in 1972 supplying a private entry and twice as a works entry, in 1974 and 1976, with Johnny Rutherford.

Click here to watch highlights from the 2017 Indy 500.

Competing in his second event at the famous oval, Fernando will attempt to become only the second driver ever to secure world motorsport’s unofficial Triple Crown. He has previous secured victories at the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year. It is only the Indianapolis 500 win that eludes him. The only holder of the triple-crown is Graham Hill in 1972.

In their own words

Fernando Alonso commented: “I’ve made clear for some time my desire to achieve the Triple Crown. I had an incredible experience at Indianapolis in 2017 and I knew in my heart of hearts I had to go back if the opportunity was there. I’m especially glad to be returning with McLaren. This was always my first choice if the team decided to do it, so I’m delighted they’ve decided to go ahead. It’s a tough race and we’ll be up against the best, so it will be a huge challenge. But we’re racers and that’s why we race. One of the things I’m looking forward to most is seeing the fans again, who are absolutely fantastic.”