Fernando Alonso will compete in the 2019 Indianapolis 500 race behind the wheel of a McLaren IndyCar, powered by a 2.2-liter twin turbocharged Chevrolet V6 engine.
Alonso is a two time Formula One title winner (in 2005 and 2006), and has secured 32 F1 victories and 97 podium finishes throughout his career, as well as an overall 24 Hour of Le Mans win.
His next challenge will see him rely heavily on Chevrolet power, rather than Honda or Renault. And if he can make it, he would have won the Triple Crown of world motorsport: F1, Le Mans, and Indy 500.
“It will be a privilege to wear the Bowtie Brand at the 2019 Indy 500,” said the Spaniard in an official statement. “Having Chevrolet power behind me means we’re putting ourselves in the best possible position to compete at the front. I had a bit of a taste of Chevy power last week in Jimmie Johnson’s NASCAR and I liked it! The opportunity to contest any Indy 500 is an honor, so I’m proud to have Chevrolet as part of the team.”
This won’t be the first time McLaren has partnered with Chevrolet. In fact, in 1966, the two automakers joined forces in the Can-Am Series, where they won more than 70% of the races over the next seven years, including 23 in a row between 1968 and 1970.
“McLaren and Chevrolet have a shared pedigree in North American motorsport and the opportunity to reunite the two brands for this special event was just too good to pass up,” stated McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown. “Like McLaren, Chevrolet has racing in its heart. The company’s reputation in IndyCar and at this special race is first-class and they will be a powerful partner.”
Chevrolet returned to IndyCar seven seasons ago, and since then, has secured victories in 73 out of 118 races. The U.S. automaker has also won the IndyCar manufacturer title six times and the Driver and Owner championships five times.
The 2019 Indy 500 race will take place on Sunday, May 26 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, so Alonso, who retired from F1 this year, will have plenty of time at his disposal.