This Is Fernando Alonso’s McLaren #66 For This Year’s Indy 500

McLaren Racing has unveiled the car Fernando Alonso will race at the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday May 26, 2019.

The racer, known simply as #66 in reference to Mark Donohue’s McLaren-Offy M16 from the 1972 Indy 500, wears a papaya orange and blue livery virtually identical to what the current McLaren MCL34 Formula 1 car features.

Fernando Alonso takes part in the race as he is chasing motorsport’s ‘Triple Crown’. With wins at the Monaco Grand Prix and 24 Hours of Le Mans already under his belt, the Spaniard only needs to stand at the top step of the podium at Indianapolis to join Graham Hill as only the second racer in history to win the Triple Crown.

Alonso made his Indy 500 debut back in 2017 and led for a number of laps. However, an issue with his Honda engine forced him to retire. This year, the McLaren #66 features a Chevrolet engine.

“I’m excited we are finally able to reveal to the world the #66 car which I’ll be racing with McLaren at the Indy 500 in May. The team at the McLaren factory has worked very hard to build this car ready for our return to the iconic Brickyard and I think it looks fantastic in the 2019 McLaren Racing colours,” Alonso said.

“My hopes for the race remain the same, to win and achieve the Triple Crown, and I’m looking forward to meeting the fantastic US fans who made me feel so welcome first time around.”

McLaren Racing chief executive Zak Brown said the new car is very important for the racing outfit.

“The reveal of the #66 car and livery is an important moment for McLaren Racing’s journey to the Indianapolis 500. It represents the beginning of the next phase of our program, and reflects a tremendous amount of hard work by our specialist Indy 500 team at the McLaren Technology Centre.”