Indy sets date for Alonso's first Speedway test

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Indy officials and Andretti Autosport have set a date for Fernando Alonso's first test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway next month.

The Spanish driver will initiate his Indy 500 programme at the Brickyard earlier than expected, on May 3, just three days after the Russian Grand Prix at Sochi.

Official practice and rookie orientation at Indy gets underway on May 15 but the opportunity has arisen to test earlier in the month.

Alonso's entry into the race is an effort between McLaren and Andretti Autosport, who won last year's race with rookie and former Manor F1 driver Alexander Rossi.

McLaren to send small support crew to Indy for Alonso

The 35-year-old two time world champion is currently in Alabama to watch this weekend's Barber Indycar event.

He will likely spend time at Andretti Autosport's and Honda Performance Development bases on his run-up to his first test at the Speedway.

Fans will be able to watch Alonso's test for free from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. from the Turn 2 viewing mounds, the South Terrace grandstand or the IMS Museum parking lot.

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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.