Alonso confirms Indy 500 return with McLaren

McLaren have confirmed that Fernando Alonso will tackle the Indianapolis 500 once again in 2019 as the Spaniard goes in search of motorsport's 'Triple Crown'. Alonso needs victory at the Brickyard to add to victories at the Monaco GP and Le Mans 24 Hours.

Alonso had been tipped to take a full-time race seat in IndyCar next year after confirming he will not race in 2019, however McLaren were unable to put together a team in time to enter.

The veteran claimed that he would not have accepted a full-time drive in the American series, regardless, and an upcoming test of NASCAR machinery has kept fans guessing as to what Alonso's next move will be.

With a World Endurance Championship season with Toyota to finish, we now know for certain that Alonso will be at the Brickyard again next year too, having seen a first effort at the race end in retirement in 2017.

WE’RE BACK. #mclarenIndy pic.twitter.com/RJaBYCAO8N — Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) November 10, 2018

He commented: "I've made clear for some time my desire to achieve the Triple Crown. 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."

Alonso entered thanks to Andretti Autosport in 2017, however it remains to be seen if the same team will facilitate him next year. According to reports, Honda were unwilling to supply Alonso with an engine in IndyCar over his criticism of their F1 programme and his WEC ties to rivals Toyota.

We will be involved. Similar to ‘17. https://t.co/8npcc7n0QM — Michael Andretti (@michaelandretti) November 10, 2018