F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Nine degrees: McLaren's clever scheme to give Alonso an edge at Indy

As Fernando Alonso enters the thick of his preparations for next month's Indy 500, McLaren has come up with a clever scheme to boost the Spaniard's chances at the Brickyard.

To succeed at Indy requires 'a very particular set of skills', both in terms of driving and race management, not to mention flawless team execution.

But teams are always seeking for that one little thing - technical or other - that will give a driver an edge over his competitors, a benefit that Indy emperor Roger Penske and his driver Mark Donohue once called the "unfair advantage".

With the help of the very astute Gil de Ferran, a man who won the Indy 500 with Penske in 2003, McLaren has concocted a canny system based on the Speedway's four banked corners.

To learn exactly what the 'nine degree' stratagem is all about, or why Alonso will only be turning left between now and May 26, check out the short video below.

At McLaren, there's no off position on the genius switch!

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Sao Paulo GP: Saturday's action in pictures

Saturday's proceedings were cut short due to a heavy rain storm rolling into Sao Paulo…

50 mins ago

Sao Paulo GP qualifying postponed after repeated delays

The FIA has postponed Saturday’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix qualifying session due to adverse weather…

1 hour ago

McLaren: Team orders always ‘make life difficult for ourselves’

McLaren's successful 1-2 finish in the Brazilian Sprint race came with a dose of complexity,…

4 hours ago

Verstappen demoted to P4 following VSC infringement in Sprint

Max Verstappen has been demoted from third to fourth in the final standings of Saturday’s…

4 hours ago

Norris thanks Piastri for handing Sprint win, but not ‘proud’

Lando Norris secured victory in Saturday's Sprint event in Sao Paulo thanks to a McLaren…

6 hours ago

São Paulo GP: Norris handed sprint win by Piastri

McLaren clinched a valuable 1-2 sweep of the São Paulo sprint race, with polesitter Oscar…

7 hours ago