Andretti Autosport boss Michael Andretti has labelled its tie-up with McLaren and Honda as a "tremendous opportunity," following the news that Fernando Alonso will race at this year's Indianapolis 500.
Alonso will compete in a one-car McLaren team during next month's event, which will be run by Andretti and powered by Honda.
It brings Andretti's IndyCar operation to six cars, fielding Alonso alongside regulars Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco Andretti and Takuma Sato, the Herta-affiliated Alexander Rossi, last year's winner, and newcomer Jack Harvey.
"It’s a great honour to partner with McLaren for the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 and to bring Fernando into one of our Andretti Autosport Hondas," said Andretti.
"I want to thank Zak [Brown], Honda and McLaren for this tremendous opportunity. We've been working very closely in the planning of this new partnership and I believe we've laid the foundation for a successful month of May.
"We're looking forward to giving Fernando an effort in reaching one of his biggest career goals of winning the Indy 500."
Andretti also believes that Alonso will also quickly get up to speed in his new surroundings.
“Fernando’s lack of experience on super-speedways is not of concern to me," he said.
"I do believe that the Indianapolis 500 is one of the best places for a rookie to start because there is the opportunity for so much practice time on the track – and, as we have demonstrated, it can be won by a rookie.
"Fernando is a great talent and I have full confidence that he will represent very strongly for McLaren, Honda and Andretti Autosport.
“Fernando’s addition to the team takes our stable of entries to six, working in a cooperative effort. This sharing of experience and knowledge is what makes Andretti Autosport stand out and gives us that extra competitive edge."
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