Fernando Alonso is set to conduct a private test of the McLaren Racing IndyCar at Texas Motor Speedway, Motorsport Week can exclusively reveal.
Bob Fernley, President of McLaren IndyCar, confirmed the Woking based squad are working with Carlin Racing, and stated “The test chassis that we (will) use is being built by Carlin in Florida.”
The test date of 9th April is the earliest realistic date available, there was the intent to conduct this test sooner, but due to the new AFP impact protection device being implimented, there was a delay.
“We're looking (to) split the resources in order to make sure we can deliver (the car builds) by the end of March,” confirmed Fernley.
The test will take place on the full oval course at Texas and will be a behind-closed-doors affair, with no public access or web streaming.
The aim is to ensure Alonso and the car are as prepared and comfortable as possible and to that end; the track is booked for the full day. The team is prepared to run into the evening under the floodlights if it is deemed necessary.
Asked about involvement beyond the Indianapolis 500, Fernley told Motorsport week; “Success begets success, so it’s important to deliver a good result.
“The focus for me is simply doing a good job at the Indy 500. Once we do that, the shareholders will see everything and decide where they want to go. “
McLaren Sporting Director Gil de Ferran also wouldn’t rule out anything beyond the Indy 500, although he confirmed McLaren would only run one car at the Brickyard.
“It's no secret that we continue to evaluate a deeper involvement as McLaren in IndyCar racing,” de Ferran stated. “It's too early to speculate what lies beyond the Indianapolis 500.”
“All of our efforts are just to do the best job we can for the 500.”
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