25/02/2020
NEWS STORY
Arrow McLaren SP and Fernando Alonso will join forces with title partner Ruoff Mortgage to contest the 2020 Indianapolis 500.
The Spaniard will join Arrow McLaren SP drivers Oliver Askew and Pato O'Ward as the team fields three cars in a blend of youth and experience at the iconic event.
Two-time world champion Alonso, World Endurance Champion, twice winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona, will contest his third Month of May this year, driving the No. 66 Ruoff Mortgage Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet in his continuing quest for motorsport's elusive and prestigious "Triple Crown".
"I am a racer and the Indy 500 is the greatest race in the world," said Alonso. "I love the incredible fans who make it so special for all of us drivers and make me want to come back. I have maximum respect for this race and everyone who competes in it and all I want to do is race against them and give my best, as always.
"It was important for me to explore my options for this race but Arrow McLaren SP has always been at the top. I have a special relationship with McLaren; we've been through a lot together and that creates a bond, a loyalty that is strong.
"But more than that, I am impressed with how the new organisation and operation is developing into a strong package with the Chevrolet partnership. The team has experienced, well-qualified people and great resources, and I'm confident we can be competitive.
"I'm focused and excited to begin our preparations. It will also be great to work with Oliver and Pato, two fantastic young talents for the future who are growing all the time."
"We've always said we're open to running Fernando in a third car for the 500," added Zak Brown, "so we're delighted he's decided to join us. Fernando is one of the greatest drivers in the sport and it's fantastic to have him as part of the team. It's a fine way to contest our first Indy 500 as Arrow McLaren SP and to have Ruoff Mortgage backing Fernando is a perfect partnership.
"Adding Fernando to the team brings a level of experience and expertise that will benefit our two young, talented full-time drivers, Oliver and Pato," said Sam Schmidt, Co-Owner, Arrow McLaren SP. "We have fast cars at Indy and fully believe he has the talent to run at the front, not just participate. That, combined with Chevy power and the experience of the team, will make this trio of drivers one of the strongest in the field."
Contesting the 2017 running of the Indy 500 with Andretti Autosport, Alonso led the race four times for a total of 27 laps before suffering a (Honda) engine failure while running 7th with 21 laps remaining.
Returning in 2019 with McLaren the experience was an unmitigated disaster, the Spaniard failing to qualify following a series of blunders including his car's ride height being awry following an error converting inches to the metric system and incorrect gear ratios being fitted which compromised his speed.