Fernando Alonso says his personal target for the Indianapolis 500 is to "enjoy the moment", and says he won't dwell on any missed opportunities or a bad result because the experience has so far been "fantastic".
Speaking ahead of his debut in the 101st running of the Indy 500 on Sunday, the McLaren driver insists he isn't expecting an easy ride due to his lack of experience, but hopes to make up for some of that with his "motivation and racing spirit".
“I know this is a race that everyone has a chance of winning; it’s an unpredictable race," he said on Thursday. "Guys who maybe start 24th can be leading after 50 laps or whatever so that’s the good thing about this race.
"We all have a possibility, but I think I have a lower chance than some of the big names because I am lacking experience, but if I have a chance I will go for it. I will try to compensate for the lack of experience with good motivation and racing spirit."
When asked what he hoped to get out of the race, he replied: "Enjoy the race, enjoy the moment, live in that moment.
"Obviously, so far we have been quite competitive – even fighting for the first row of the grid in qualifying – so I would like to remain that competitive in the race, but I don’t know maybe I will fall behind after 100 laps or whatever.
"I can’t be frustrated or sad at the end of the race because the whole event has been a fantastic experience, so enjoy the moment, that’s the target."
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