McLaren and Alonso to return to the Indy 500 in 2019!

McLaren has announced that it will contest the 103rd running of the Indy 500 next spring, with Fernando Alonso making a second attempt at the blue-ribbon event.

The Spaniard is still chasing motorsport's triple crown, which includes winning the Monaco Grand Prix, Le Mans and the Indy 500, a feat only achieved by the great Graham Hill in the past.

McLaren and Alonso competed in the 2017 Indy 500, in partnership with Andretti Autosport, with the F1 driver leading the race during several periods before retiring with an engine issue.

Alonso predicts big improvement for McLaren in 2019

The Woking-based has not yet specified to whom it will entrust its entry next May but another tie-up with Andretti Autosport is likely.

"We are relishing our return to the Brickyard and this incredible race," said McLaren CEO Zak Brown.

"McLaren has a long and fond relationship with the Indianapolis 500 and it’s a case of unfinished business for us with Fernando.

"No Indy 500 is a cakewalk, it’s a massive challenge. We have the utmost respect for the race and our competitors. So, we are under no illusions.

"But McLaren are racers first and foremost, as is Fernando. We’re going for it."

Alonso will retire from F1 at the end of the season but the 37-year-old will retain a commitment with Toyota in the WEC in 2019 as the series' super-season runs until the 2019 Le Mans 24 Hours.

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"I’ve made clear for some time my desire to achieve the Triple Crown," Alonso said.

"I had an incredible experience at Indianapolis in 2017 and I knew in my heart of hearts I had to go back if the opportunity was there. I’m especially glad to be returning with McLaren.

"This was always my first choice if the team decided to do it, so I’m delighted they’ve decided to go ahead.

"It’s a tough race and we’ll be up against the best, so it will be a huge challenge. But we’re racers and that’s why we race," he added.

"One of the things I’m looking forward to most is seeing the fans again, who are absolutely fantastic."

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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.