IndyCar star desperate for Alonso to join in 2019

IndyCar star Scott Dixon has implored Fernando Alonso to join the sport next season following the Spaniard's announcement that he is leaving F1 at the end of 2018, adding that his arrival would be fantastic for the reputation of the sport.

Alonso, as expected, this week announced his decision to retire from F1 at the end of the current campaign, citing frustration with McLaren's lack of competition as a contributing factor.

The two-time world champion has been unable to get close to the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari or Red Bull across the last few seasons, and a number of DNFs in 2018 have left Alonso disillusioned and looking to move into a new chapter of his career.

Alonso has made no secret of his desire to win the 'Triple Crown' of Monaco Grand Prix, Le Mans and Indy 500, and with two of those goals already in place, it is widely expected that he will compete in IndyCar next year.

And former champion Dixon, who is the currently IndyCar leading, has said that, should he join, he would relish the challenge of taking him on.

He said: "I don't think he honestly has made a decision. But if he comes to IndyCar I think will be fantastic for the sport.

"For Alex [Rossi) and myself it's another competitor that we love to race against."

Alonso debuted in IndyCar last year and was in seventh spot when his engine failed. Alexander Rossi, who won in 2016, added that Alonso would help increase the global interest in the race.

Rossi stated: "It shows that there's huge interest from a global standpoint, from competitors in what is perceived as the pinnacle to be interested in coming to IndyCar and obviously he expressed that interest and loved his experience in Indy 500.

"I think it's a really strong thing for the growth and just the strength of this series and where we are at right now."