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Gallery: McLaren Racing unveils Indy 500 livery

McLaren Racing has pulled the covers off the Indy 500 contender that Fernando Alonso hopes will power him to his coveted Triple Crown.

Draped in its traditional papaya and blue McLaren colors with a scheme similar to its F1 counter-part, Alonso's car is emblazoned with #66 as a tribute to the manufacturer's first win at the Brickyard with Mark Donohue's Penske-run M16 in 1972.

"The reveal of the #66 car and livery is an important moment for McLaren Racing’s journey to the Indianapolis 500," said McLaren CEO Zak Brown.

"It represents the beginning of the next phase of our programme, and reflects a tremendous amount of hard work by our specialist Indy 500 team at the McLaren Technology Centre.

"We are all looking forward to seeing the #66 out on track for the first time on April 24."

The car will debut on April 24 at Indy's open test but Alonso will already be putting himself in gear on Tuesday when he tests a sister car at the Texas Motor Speedway.

"I’m excited we are finally able to reveal to the world the #66 car which I’ll be racing with McLaren at the Indy 500 in May," said the Spaniard.

"The team at the McLaren factory has worked very hard to build this car ready for our return to the iconic Brickyard and I think it looks fantastic in the 2019 McLaren Racing colours.

"My hopes for the race remain the same, to win and achieve the Triple Crown, and I’m looking forward to meeting the fantastic US fans who made me feel so welcome first time around."

Check out the car from every angle in our special gallery.

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.

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