Fernando Alonso’s announcement that he is to retire from Formula 1 at the end of 2018 was immediately met by speculation of a Verizon IndyCar Series ride for 2019. After an open invitation from the series, Alonso is reportedly partaking in an IndyCar test.
The news comes several weeks after rumours first surfaced regarding a fall IndyCar test for Alonso. RACER reports that multiple sources have linked Alonso to an IndyCar test, possibly at Barber Motorsport Park before the season ends in September.
Having only competed on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval, a test at Barber would be crucial to Alonso’s move to the series regarding how he feels in the car on road courses. Also, Alonso has yet to drive in the current aero kit used in the Verizon IndyCar Series as he competed in a more downforce-heavy chassis in the 2017 Indianapolis 500.
While there is no indication of which teams the test would take place for, the likeliest option is Andretti Autosport. Alonso ran with Andretti in the 2017 Indy 500 in a joint program with McLaren. Regardless of the IndyCar team in question, a partnership with McLaren is likely due to the driver’s connection to the team and the team’s interest in IndyCar.
Other rumoured rides include Harding Racing, who continue to explore options to run a second car for the 2019 season. The #88 Harding Racing Chevrolet has remained a possible rotating seat for the remainder of the season as a full-time driver search continues.
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