McLaren IndyCar has confirmed that it will partner with Chevrolet, rather than Honda, at the 2019 Indianapolis 500, reuniting the two brands after 47 years.

Chevrolet will provide McLaren with its 2.2-litre twin turbocharged direct injected V6 IndyCar engines for the team's 2019 Indy 500 entry, when two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso will attempt to secure the Triple Crown of motorsport. The Chevy power plant is the defending winner and has won the 500 three times since its 2012 IndyCar Series introduction.

The 103rd Indy 500 will not be the first time that Chevrolet power has propelled a papaya McLaren. Every CanAm car entered under the McLaren name was powered by a Chevrolet V8 engine, a winning partnership that spanned seven years. By the time McLaren left the championship in 1972, it was by far the most successful constructor, with more than 40 wins.

Since Chevrolet's return IndyCar seven seasons ago, drivers powered by the Chevy 2.2-litre V6 engine have captured victories in 73 of 118 races. The Bowtie Brand has won the coveted IndyCar Manufacturer Championship six times and the series' driver and owner championships five times.

The announcement comes after Alonso sampled Jimmie Johnson's Chevrolet Impala NASCAR in Bahrain last Monday, the day after his last F1 race, and follows the news he will be racing for Chevrolet's sister brand, Cadillac, at the 24 Hours of Daytona in January.

"McLaren and Chevrolet have a shared pedigree in North American motorsport and the opportunity to reunite the two brands for this special event was just too good to pass up," said Zak Brown. "Like McLaren, Chevrolet has racing in its heart. The company's reputation in IndyCar and at this special race is first-class and they will be a powerful partner."

"It's exciting to partner with Fernando Alonso and McLaren for the 2019 Indianapolis 500," added Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports, Chevrolet. "Fernando brings incredible driving talent, and a passion for the sport and winning the biggest races in the world. When Fernando is on track, it's electric. He generates excitement among fans everywhere.

"Chevrolet and McLaren have a storied racing history dating back to the mid-1960s, so it will be special to partner with McLaren at the 2019 Indianapolis 500."

"It will be a privilege to wear the Bowtie Brand at the 2019 Indy 500," said Alonso. "Having Chevrolet power behind me means we're putting ourselves in the best possible position to compete at the front. I had a bit of a taste of Chevy power earlier this week in Jimmie's NASCAR and I liked it! The opportunity to contest any Indy 500 is an honour, so I'm proud to have Chevrolet as part of the team."

"Our partnership with Chevrolet is a key piece of our plan for the 2019 Indy 500," added Bob Fernley, President, McLaren IndyCar. "As the reigning winning engine, the Chevrolet motor puts us in a strong position to contest this incredibly challenging event. We've quickly established a strong working relationship with the Chevrolet team, who are absolute professionals, committed to the challenge, and true racers."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by F One, 04/12/2018 21:32

"Last time it had slender novelty value but this time I couldn't care less. If Mclaren want to go and play in lesser sports while their F1 program dies completely just to please Poisonous Alonslow then they really are insane."

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2. Posted by ClarkwasGod, 04/12/2018 17:46

"This more or less ensures a Honda powered car will win next year."

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3. Posted by affa, 04/12/2018 17:23

"McLaren is now like a washed up celebrity, barging into every party and sleeping with anyone to get noticed...

"

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4. Posted by imejl99, 04/12/2018 15:11

"RDFox,
IndyCar series 2018, Manufacturer`s Cup winner Honda.
Honda 11 wins, Chevrolet 6.
"

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5. Posted by RDFox, 04/12/2018 14:28

"imejl99, I wouldn't be surprised if Alonso threatened to visit Zak Browne late at night with something sharp and pointy if he'd gone with the Honda engine..."

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6. Posted by imejl99, 04/12/2018 13:59

"wouldn't be surprised if Honda vetoed use of it`s engine... "

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7. Posted by Lapps, 04/12/2018 13:26

"Hardly surprising since the option was Honda!"

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McLaren chooses Chevrolet power for Indy 500 bid

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