Arrow McLaren SP unveils Alonso's Indy 500 charger!

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Arrow McLaren SP has revealed Fernando Alonso's #66 entry for this year's delayed Indy 500 which is set to take place on August 23 at the Brickyard.

This year's event will be Alonso's third attempt to qualify for motorsport's Triple Crown round which sits alongside Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix, both of which Alonso has won.

The Spaniard enjoyed an impressive baptism of fire at the Speedway in 2017, even leading the race on his debut before his Honda engine expired. But last year's comedy of errors by McLaren and Carlin's joint effort left Alonso off the 33-car grid.

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This year, the 38-year-old will race alongside Arrow McLaren SP's regular drivers Pato O'Ward and Oliver Askew, and backed by a solid structure founded on the experienced Schmidt Peterson Motorsports IndyCar outfit.

"I’m very happy to finally see the car which I will race in the Indianapolis 500," said Alonso.

"We had to wait longer than usual to release the livery but that means that engines will be starting soon in Indianapolis.

"I’m confident that Arrow McLaren SP will be competitive. The team has the right experience, well-qualified people, and great resources."

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Arrow McLaren SP co-owner Sam Schmidt added: "In 2017, Fernando proved that he can not only compete in the race, but that he can fight for the win.

"The livery is great. It represents the colors of Ruoff Mortgage while maintaining the livery design of all the Arrow McLaren SP entries.

"It’s unlike any entry that we have seen, which will make it easy to spot for fans."

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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.