Alonso banking on F1 technology to help Indy bid

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Fernando Alonso believes that his Indy 500 preparation which begins in earnest today can be helped by McLaren's F1 engineering expertise.

The Spanish driver jetted off to Indianapolis right after yesterday's Spanish Grand Prix with McLaren's Zak Brown and Eric Boullier and is already hard at work today at the Brickyard where official practice has kicked off.

Alonso will have a lot to learn in the coming two weeks but is hoping input directly from McLaren in the form of technology, systems and processes will compensate somewhat for his evident lack of experience.

"I think I have a lower percentage [chance of winning] than some of my opponents do," said Alonso yesterday in Barcelona.

"I don't have the experience of oval racing, I don't have experience of fighting in traffic or last lap techniques or the little tricks.

"But, at the same time, the level of sophistication we have in F1 is higher than IndyCar. So together with McLaren, we will go there with some people, a group of engineers, helping Andretti's team and maybe thanks to this different approach, the more scientific approach, I will have something extra.

Franchitti: Victory bid will be 'very difficult' for Alonso

"I have a lower percentage [to win], but it is true that it is a race that anyone can win. There is a luck factor, yellow flags, and safety cars. But even if it is 1 per cent better, it is worth trying."

Alonso and McLaren aren't giving away which systems or processes could be layered on to Indycar's existing methodology and technology, but the two-time world champion is definitely optimistic.

"Definitely it's a good test for me to drive there. I will learn many things. In terms of technology and sophistication, F1 is in another level.

"So most of my chances will be to use that sophistication that we are used to driving with here, implementing there. I need to keep it secret!"

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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.