McLaren have announced a partnership with Andretti Autosport and Honda, to run a single car in the legendary Indy 500 next month.  McLaren hasn’t entered a car in 38 years, so, in the 101’st Indy 500, they make a return.

McLaren will use a Dallara DW12 chassis, as used by all competitors.  The engine is a 2.2 Litre twin turbo V6 Honda power unit, limited to 12,000 RPM.

Alonso, driving this event will now miss the Monaco F1 Grand Prix this year.  McLaren have yet to announce his replacement.

Alonso is quoted “I’m immensely excited that I’ll be racing in this year’s Indy 500, with McLaren, Honda and Andretti Autosport”. “I’ve never raced an Indy car before, and neither have I ever driven on a super-speedway, but I’m confident that I’ll get to grips with it fast”.

Executive Director of McLaren, Zak Brown said, “As an American, albeit one who fell in love with Formula 1 at a very young age, I’ve always regarded Indy 500 as a fantastic motor race”.  “For that reason I’m particularly delighted to have been able to bring McLaren back to Indianapolis in my very first year as Executive Director”.

This may be the platform Alonso will use to re-invent his stagnant racing career since joining McLAren Honda.