Fernando Alonso has a "real chance" of winning his maiden Indy 500 according to former IndyCar and Formula 1 champion Mario Andretti.
Alonso will miss this year's Monaco Grand Prix in order to participate in the 101st running of the Indy 500 as part of a one-car entry by McLaren, which will be run by the Andretti team.
The two-time world champion got his first taste of an IndyCar this week when he tested his McLaren on the famous Indianapolis oval.
Andretti, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, reckons the Spaniard has a good shot at victory after impressing during the test.
"His chances are real of potentially winning this thing," said the 77-year-old. "He's at the top of his game and he doesn't have too much to lose in Formula 1.
"He can give Monaco up and give this a good try and maybe come away with a very happy result."
Andretti was also impressed by how quickly Alonso got up to speed in the test, with the McLaren driver reaching a best average lap speed of 222.548mph, despite cold and windy conditions.
"Everything went like he [Alonso] has been there before [in testing]. He's probably come away very pleased with himself and the team are very pleased with him," added Andretti.
"I just feel very good for him, I'm very confident that it's going to be a great experience overall. He will have no problem and have some fun with it."
Alonso has high hopes he can emulate the late Graham Hill, who is the only driver to complete the 'triple crown' of winning in Monaco, the Indy 500 and Le Mans.
