Fernando Alonso will compete in the 2019 Indy500 with McLaren Racing, the team has confirmed.

The Spaniard last competed in the race in 2017, leading a number of laps before retiring with engine problems.

An Indy500 win is all Alonso needs to complete the unofficial Triple Crown of motorsport, having taken the 24 Hours of Le Mans victory this year and Monaco GP wins in 2006 and 2007.

“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.”

Team boss Zak Brown had already confirmed McLaren won’t be competing in the IndyCar championship fulltime next season, but said the team is “relishing” its return to the “incredible” Indy500.

“McLaren has a long and fond relationship with the Indianapolis 500 and it’s a case of unfinished business for us with Fernando,” he said.

“No Indy500 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’s last Indy outing was with a McLaren branded, Honda powered Andretti IndyCar.

Despite not running a full-time netry, McLaren Racing will compete as a seperate team this year and has not ruled out running more than one car.