Andretti: Alonso could be a star in IndyCar

Fernando Alonso could be an absolute star in the United States according to Mario Andretti. The Spaniard has endured a disappointing couple of years at McLaren which has prompted questions over his Formula One future and whether he should make the jump to IndyCar instead.

According to Andretti, Alonso stands to gain much in the way of reputation if he did make the move to IndyCar, as he chases the Triple Crown having won at Le Mans earlier this season.

In an interview with Racingnews365, Andretti reiterated his belief that the McLaren driver should move to IndyCar sooner rather than later.

"It depends on whether Fernando wants to stay with McLaren. That team will not keep walking behind the facts forever, but if he decides to go to the United States, I'm sure he'll be brought in here with open arms and a trumpet call."

"The IndyCar fans are crazy about Fernando, thanks to his great performance at Indianapolis last year. A driver of this calibre would be a great addition to the IndyCar field," Andretti added.

"Fernando is a great driver and he would compete in the IndyCars for the prizes, I would love to see it, and with me there are millions of fans who are hoping for this scenario, maybe the IndyCar will attract him, because This makes his talent even more visible, and everyone will have to take a step forward, each driver will want to beat the two-time world champion."

Alonso had been briefly linked with the vacant seat at Red Bull for 2019 until team principal Christian Horner put to rest those rumours, calling the two-time world champion "chaotic" in influence at whatever team he is at.