Fernando Alonso will attempt to complete motorsport Triple Crown as he and McLaren confirm an Indianapolis 500 bid in 2019.
The Spaniard is just a win at the Brickyard away from matching the feat only previously achieved by Graham Hill having added the Le Mans 24 Hours to his resume earlier this year alongside the Monaco Grand Prix's he won in 2006 and 2007.
A first bid at America's most famous race fell short with engine failure in 2017 but the buzz it created was enormous and the 37-year-old, who leaves F1 after Abu Dhabi, can't wait to get back.
“I’ve made clear for some time my desire to achieve the Triple Crown," he said. "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.”
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McLaren opted against a full-time entry in IndyCar next year as they look to turnaround their F1 fortunes, but for CEO Zak Brown, the chance of Indy redemption was too strong.
“We are relishing our return to the Brickyard and this incredible race," he declared. "McLaren has a long and fond relationship with the Indianapolis 500 and it’s a case of unfinished business for us with Fernando.
"No Indy 500 is a cakewalk, it’s a massive challenge. We have the utmost respect for the race and our competitors. So, we are under no illusions. But McLaren are racers first and foremost, as is Fernando. We’re going for it.”
More details are to be released in due course.
