Video: Alonso undeterred by Indy perils

©McLaren

McLaren's Fernando Alonso says he isn't afraid of racing around Indianapolis' 2.5-mile Speedway despite the perils which threaten novice drivers at the Brickyard.

The Spaniard will miss next month's Monaco Grand Prix and tackle the Indy 500 with an Andretti Autosports-run entry from McLaren.

Speaking yesterday in Bahrain, Alonso is fully aware of what he's getting in to and the contrasting differences between driving an F1 car and racing an Indycar on a Super Speedway oval.

"It’s very exciting, very challenging as well, because we know I’m not ready – now – if the race was tomorrow," he admitted.

"I have a lot of things to learn in a very short period of time. It’s so challenging but it’s very exciting as well.

"It is definitely a completely different skills that you need, different driving technique that I’ll have to adapt myself. And in the middle of this period there is three Formula 1 Grands Prix. So let’s see.

"The average speed is very, very high, close to the wall, a lot of slipstreaming with different cars around. [All] things I’ll have to get used to.

"But I’m not afraid of the challenge."

Check out the video below for Alonso's comments on his trip to Indy.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.