Alonso to race Indy 500

[VoodooBoss]

Wow this is huge news and a bit shocking. Can't remember the last time a full time F1 driver skipped a race, let alone Monaco, to race at Indy. This will certainly make this years race more interesting to watch.

http://autoweek.com/article/formula...r&utm_content=body&utm_campaign=awracingdaily


http://autoweek.com/article/indy-50...op&utm_content=body&utm_campaign=awracingdail

 

[mattlqx]

It wouldn't surprise me if this was part of a deal he made not to jump ship to Mercedes when Rosberg's seat opened up. Or maybe he had a tense meeting after the rather dismal pre-season testing and figured if he's going to waste another year, he might as well get some extra-cirriculars in. Either way, he seemed to have high hopes for this season compared to the prior two and it's pretty evident those are dashed at this point.

 

[VoodooBoss]

More info on his Indy ride. Looks like he's taking this pretty serious and is already looking at 2018 too.

http://autoweek.com/article/indycar...eadline-center&utm_content=body&utm_campaign=

http://autoweek.com/article/indy-50...r&utm_content=body&utm_campaign=awracingdaily

 

[ArizonaBOSS]

Alonso is a great driver with a terrible car. He's better off running Indy than being stuck at the ass-end of the pack at Monaco where you *basically* don't have a shot at winning unless you qualify on pole. Alonso did have a great race there with Ferrari a couple years back where he picked up 13 or 14 spots after starting from the pit lane, but that was a different time and a different car. I know he's still got the skill so I'd personally love to see him in a situation where he can put it to good use. Good luck, Fernando!

 

[VoodooBoss]

Live feed of his first test day. 209.xxx on his first session.

 

[Bill Pemberton]

Been watching this morning/afternoon, and the guy is so much the " Real Deal."" Excuse me folks, I have never run on an oval , so it may take be a few minutes to get up to speed." Passes his Rookie Test in 50 minutes, and later goes over 222 mph, first time ever in an IndyCar. Impressive and as Arizona Boss noted, killer driver stuck in a very uncompetitive car and the timing is right for him to try for the Triple Crown. Love to see Alonzo win and then tackle LeMans. Honda , is at least, respecting his talent and allowing him to have some success while they struggle again this year -kudos to them for that!

 

[mattlqx]

I'm very excited to see him run Le Mans. I've only become a fan during these last few years so I've never been able to see him excel, but I definitely know he's capable.

 

[VoodooBoss]

I've been a McLaren fan since I was a kid and the last three years have been brutal to watch. Probably not as bad as from the drivers seat though. I like Alonso a lot and hope he does well.

http://autoweek.com/article/indycar...compete-indy-500-after-completing-orientation

 

[VoodooBoss]

 

[ArizonaBOSS]

 

[VoodooBoss]

 

[VoodooBoss]

Here's an interesting article.

http://autoweek.com/article/indy-500/f1-world-questions-timing-fernando-alonsos-indy-500-adventure

 

[ArizonaBOSS]

LOL. "He should show up at Monaco and try to maybe earn some points"...who cares, McLaren is not in a position where that will help them at all. And there is very limited passing at Monaco. The odds are not in Alonso's favor there.
At least by showing up to Indy, he will have a car with a RELIABLE engine where he can actually race.

 

[VoodooBoss]

 

[VoodooBoss]

And the fourth day of practice this week.

 

[VoodooBoss]

Already seen a 232 today but not by Alonso.

 

[VoodooBoss]

Rain has arrived in Indy like it always does. Sebastian Bourdais ran 233 and Alonso ran 231. There were a bunch of cars over last years pole position speed. Qualifying should be fun this weekend.

 

[VoodooBoss]

Ugh, I feel bad for Alonso. Maybe one of these days he'll finish a race with Honda power. I have a great amount of respect for Honda's engineering prowess but they are currently at a low point.

 

[ArizonaBOSS]

Poor guy.

Some wild crashes too, jeez

 

[TymeSlayer]

To see what happened to Dixon sent shivers down my side. But after watching it several tymes and watching him land on his head, it shows what safety really means to racers. After watching the race with me, my wife wondered out loud if I should get a roll bar for my car. I took it as getting her blessing