Rumours of Fernando Alonso’s move to IndyCar have run rampant since his victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Honda’s motorsports general manager Masashi Yamamoto has fuelled the speculation, expressing an openness to having Alonso in a Honda IndyCar program.
“Regarding Indy, I’m just an advisor,” Yamamoto said, “and it’s all decided by America Honda, I can only advise it. I think he’s a fabulous driver."
Alonso was notably critical of Honda engines in their frustrating three-year run in Formula 1 with McLaren. Yamamoto expressed disappointment in the results that the driver had seen throughout the engine maker’s time with the team.
“I feel very sorry for the McLaren drivers because we were unable to achieve their goals, to give them an opportunity.”
Alonso opted out of the 2017 Monaco Grand Prix, with Jenson Button taking his place, as he competed in his first Indianapolis 500. After leading 27 laps, Alonso’s McLaren-Honda-Andretti entry succumbed to engine failure. Despite retiring in P24, Alonso was named Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year.
The two-time Formula 1 World Drivers Champion has since seen a perfect storm of speculation towards his returning to IndyCar, as McLaren has begun approaching the possibility of fielding a team in the series. As of his Le Mans victory in 2018, only the Indianapolis 500 remains as the last step in joining Graham Hill as winner of the Triple Crown of Motorsport.
Standing in Alonso’s way is the continuation of his career in Formula 1, and the possibility of another world class driver leading the way for McLaren. Four-time series champion Scott Dixon has reportedly been linked to the team’s IndyCar venture, as his tenure at Chip Ganassi Racing dating back to 2002 is currently in question. McLaren boss Zak Brown currently denies having approached Dixon.
While excitement and anticipation surrounds the possibility of Alonso’s full-time move to IndyCar, his manager, Luis Garcia Abad, reportedly told Onda Cero radio that the move is “not an option or a possibility.”
Despite these comments, Yamamoto’s interest in Alonso keeps the door open for at least another shot at the Indianapolis 500.
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