Fernando Alonso has declared that May’s Indy 500 will be the “biggest task” in his quest to cement his legacy with motorsport’s famous Triple Crown.
The Spaniard announced earlier this month that he would miss the Monaco Grand Prix in order to race for Andretti Autosport at The Brickyard, in IndyCar’s blue-ribbon event.
The Triple Crown consists of victory at the Monaco Grand Prix – a race which Alonso has already won on two occasions – alongside triumphs in the Le Mans 24 Hours and Indy 500. So far, Graham Hill is the only man to have achieved such a feat.
Alonso was in attendance at Barber Motorsport Park as the venue hosted the IndyCar Series last weekend.
“The biggest task is definitely the Indy 500 for a Formula 1 driver,” Alonso stated during his press conference at the event.
“Le Mans is a series that will probably not need a big adaption time because they feel similar when driving. Some of the F1 drivers who jump into the Le Mans cars have no difficulties.”
Alonso’s theory is supported by recent evidence. Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg managed to compete and win for Porsche at the 2015 Le Mans 24 Hours, in what was a one-off appearance in the World Endurance Championship.
There is no recent precedent, however, for a Formula 1 driver competing at Indy. “This is quite a unique thing. I’m aware of the difficulty. All the fans are aware of this,” Alonso added.
“It’s challenging. The traffic, the level of downforce, the feeling with the car, running with a car that’s not symmetric on the straights and braking. The traffic is a big thing is what I’m hearing. Let’s see if I can learn.”
Alonso will begin his preparation with simulator work on 3rd May, before returning to F1 duties for the Spanish Grand Prix.
Immediately after his home race, Alonso will fly to the Brickyard for the opening practice session and the beginning of the two-week festival that is the Indy 500.
