Alonso to race in 2017 Indianapolis 500

Former Formula One World Champion Fernando Alonso announced that he will race in this year’s Indianapolis 500 and will miss Monaco Grand Prix due to a date clash.

After a couple of frustrating years in Formula 1 with McLaren, Spanish driver is still hungry of success and that’s why he will try his luck in one of the world’s most prestigious races. Alonso will race a McLaren entry run by the Honda-affiliated Andretti Autosport IndyCar team.

McLaren F1 Team made an unexpected decision to allow Fernando to miss Monaco Grand Prix. It is still unclear whether Jenson Button will return in the seat for the race in Monaco or some of the youngsters will get a chance to drive a McLaren-Honda MCL32.

Indianapolis 500 trophy

“I’m excited that I’ll be racing in this year’s Indy 500 which is one of the most famous races on the global motorsport calendar, rivalled only by the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Monaco Grand Prix, and it’s of course a regret of mine that I won’t be able to race at Monaco this year, but I’ll return for the Canadian Grand Prix,” said Alonso and added:

“I’ve won the Monaco Grand Prix twice, and it’s one of my ambitions to win the Triple Crown. It’s a tough challenge as I never raced at super-speedway, but I’m up for it. I don’t know when I’m going to race at Le Mans, but one day I intend to. I’m only 35 and I’ve got plenty of time for that.”

Photo: formula1.com, sportstravelmagazine.com