Finders keepers? Alonso will get to keep his Indycar

Fernando Alonso will get to keep his McLaren-Honda-Andretti Dallara after the Indy 500 as part of his deal to race at the Brickyard on May 28.

The papaya orange machine, which hopefully will emerge intact from its 500 miles at the Speedway, will find its way to Alonso's museum in Asturias, in Spain.

"After the race, it is coming. It will be in the museum as well," said Alonso ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.

"Every car I jump in from 2004 or something like that, it is always in my contract that it will be in my museum afterwards, so this one is no different."

Alonso: 'I will be in F1 next year, but I don't know where'

The Spanish driver passed his rookie test with flying colors last week at Indianapolis and will return to the Speedway after this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

"The car felt quite different," he added.

"Running this asymmetric set-up definitely feels not normal to drive.

"You need to adjust a little bit your mindset going into the run and the first corner. But at the end of the day I felt a bit more comfortable.

"Now when next week we start free practice and start running with other people around, I will hopefully build a little bit more confidence and understanding what the car needs and what I need as well to be prepared for May 28.

"Two intense weeks ahead, but looking forward to it."

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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.