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Alonso says IndyCar is “trickier to drive”

Alonso says IndyCar is “trickier to drive”

10-04-2019 08:39 Last update: 09:40
2

Bevan Youl

Fernando Alonso has said that McLaren’s IndyCar can be ‘trickier to drive’ than the previous year’s going into the Indy 500 after the cars have changed for less downforce.

The Spaniard is making a return to the Indy 500 next month and sampled the Dallara spec aerokit at the Texas Motor Speedway after testing the 2019 McLaren Formula 1 car last week in Bahrain.

IndyCar introduced this. Spec for the cars last year but Alonso has not been in an IndyCar since 2017.

Alonso said (quoted by F1i.com): "I guess listening to everyone in the last year, I think there will be less downforce.

"They can be trickier to drive, especially following [another car]. Today’s not a problem because I am alone.

"But I guess it’s going to be challenging, especially this year I am not with the Andretti [Autosport] ‘environment.’ It’s all by ourselves this year."

In 2017 Alonso raced as part of the Andretti Autosport setup at the Indy 500, putting himself in contention for a win in a decent position but retired from the race after his Honda engine blew near the end of the race.

But this year he enters with McLaren, who have partnered with Carlin, in another attempt at the Indianapolis.

"It’s good to be back on the oval with a very specific setup," Alonso said.

"This car turns left, self-steering a little bit. So, again, some weird feeling for me to try to get used to with the speedway, especially with a lot of banking on the corner, especially Turns 3 and 4.

"It’s different than Indianapolis but hopefully a good preparation for us.

"For myself, obviously, it’s just about getting comfort in the car. It’s a new car, new team, so in terms of seat position, headrest, pedals, steering wheel preferences.

"For the team, I think it is quite important to set up everything as a team, who does what in the team, also the pit wall, the facility is completely new for everyone.

"At least I know the race, the atmosphere of the 500, the drivers’ parade, I know the formation laps.

"I know a lot of things that you spend energy on your first time there because everything comes as a surprise.

"But I take this race as if I was starting from zero. I don’t want to take for granted anything.”