Alonso admits victory would make an Indy 500 return unlikely

Fernando Alonso has said if people wish to see him return to the Indianapolis 500 in the future they have to hope he does not win this time around.

Alonso is attempting his latest assault on the motorsport triple crown by taking part in the 104th running of the Indy 500 at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The Spaniard will miss at least the 2021 and '22 events after announcing his Formula 1 comeback with Renault, but asked by veteran IndyCar driver Tony Kanaan on ABC whether he would ever return to the "Greatest Spectacle in Motorsport', Alonso answered: “Yes. If you wait for me at least three years.”

However, when asked if winning the race would change that, he replied: “That’s more difficult.

"I think if you want me to race here again, I think you have to wish that I am not winning on Sunday. If I win probably that will be enough.”

Alonso qualified 26th of 33 drivers in last weekends session, but ahead of the session had indicated a willingness to return should his attempt prove unsuccessful.

“I think I’m approaching the race knowing that the next two years it’s going to be impossible to come. I would have to miss qualifying weekend if I wanted to," Alonso said. "I will not be with McLaren anymore next year in F1, so that will not work either.

“So I know that at least for two years that I will not be here. This is the way it is at the moment.

“I’m here, ready to enjoy the event, ready to give my best and help the team as much as I can and we’ll see in the future what are the possibilities and if eventually we won one day the race, maybe that opens the possibility for different things.”

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