Fernando Alonso will race for the Arrow McLaren SP team at this year’s Indy 500 in hopes of winning motorsport’s Triple Crown.
It was only one month ago that Alonso parted ways with McLaren after the British outfit decided against renewing his contract, leaving the two-time Formula 1 World Champion a free agent looking for an Indy 500 drive.
Evidently, he still has a good relationship with McLaren and will enter the Indy 500 alongside up-and-coming drivers Patricio ‘Pato’ O’Ward and Oliver Askew. After McLaren’s ill-fated attempt at the Indy 500 last year where Alonso failed to qualify, the squad has joined forces with the Schmidt Peterson team to create Arrow McLaren SP, BBC reports.
Read More: Fernando Alonso Parts Ways With McLaren And Is Now A Free Agent
Alonso had been in talks to race with Andretti Autosport in one of its Honda-powered cars, but that move was vetoed by Honda due to Alonso’s past criticism of the Japanese car manufacturer and its F1 engine program.
“It was important for me to explore my options for this race but Arrow McLaren SP has always been at the top,” Alonso said of the deal. “I have a special relationship with McLaren; we’ve been through a lot together and that creates a bond, a loyalty that is strong. But more than that, I am impressed with how the new organisation and operation is developing into a strong package with the Chevrolet partnership. The team has experienced, well-qualified people and great resources, and I’m confident we can be competitive,” the double world champion in Formula 1 and two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner added.
McLaren Racing chief executive officer Zak Brown said Alonso is “one of the greatest drivers in the sport” and that the team is delighted to have him.
