Fernando Alonso will run the 2020 Indy 500, says racing's Triple Crown is his 'biggest priority'
The two-time F1 world champ is still eyeing the Triple Crown of Motorsport.
Fernando Alonso is getting another shot at the Indianapolis 500 — and that means another opportunity to complete the Triple Crown of Motorsport.
For the two-time Formula 1 world champion’s third attempt at the Indy 500, he’s teamed up with Arrow McLaren SP and will drive the No. 66 Ruoff Mortgage Chevrolet in May at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Alonso and the team announced Wednesday afternoon.
Having already won both the Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans — he’s won each iconic event twice — the Indy 500 is the last leg of the elusive triple crown. Only one other driver, Graham Hill, has ever accomplished the international racing feat.
Alonso stepped away from F1 in 2018 — although he said returning to the series in 2021 may still be an option — so, while announcing his 2020 Indy 500 deal, he told NBC Sports that the race “probably the biggest priority for me now.”
“Once you experience the Indy 500, it will remain always in your heart. The fans are amazing. The show is unbelievable, and the race itself … is one of the greatest in the calendar. …
“I think the Indy 500 is one of the most special races. And also the triple crown — which means winning in Formula 1, the Endurance Championship with the 24 Hours of Le Mans — and the Indy 500 completes the big three races in motor sports. And also in that, three completely different disciplines with three very different, as well, driving styles.
“It makes you quite a complete driver. And that’s what I’m looking for in this stage of my career. So the Indy 500 is probably the biggest priority for me now.”
Back in 2017, it looked like Alonso could win the Indy 500 on his first try. He had a fast car and led for 27 laps, but engine failure knocked him out of contention with only 21 laps remaining and he finished 24th. He was named the 2017 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year.
His second attempt at the Indy 500 last season ended in even more devastating fashion. He crashed during practice, and the team was forced to go to its backup car, which then failed to qualify for the 33-car field.
The announcement of Alonso’s agreement for this year’s event, which will be the 104th running of the Indy 500, comes after a deal with Andretti Autosport, the team he raced for in his 2017 attempt. But it was reportedly vetoed by Honda, which supplies Andretti’s engines. When Alonso was racing for McLaren in F1, his on-track struggles were obvious, and he called his Honda-powered ride “embarrassing.”
The 2020 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 24.