F1 News

Alonso fails to qualify for Indy 500!

Alonso fails to qualify for Indy 500!

20-05-2019 08:07

Fernando Alonso will not compete in next Sunday’s Indy 500 after being knocked out on ‘bump day’.

Alonso was only able to record the fourth fastest time of the six drivers targeting the final three positions on the grid, and the Spaniard missed out when the final runner, Kyle Kaiser, edged him out.

It’s a humiliating event for McLaren, the team Alonso was driving for, as they have struggled with issues all week and were just nowhere near quick enough to give Alonso a chance of competing near the top.

After qualifying, Alonso said: “It has been a very long qualifying, nearly 56 hours from yesterday morning. Yesterday, we were 31st instead of 30th. Today, 34th instead of 33rd by a very small margin, and unfortunately, we were not fast enough on both days. I’m disappointed now, obviously it would be nice to be in the race next Sunday.

“I want to thank the team for all the efforts, we kept pushing. We came here to race and to challenge ourselves and we were not quick enough. I congratulate all the other guys that did a better job, and hopefully, we’ll see a nice show next Sunday, with everyone safe. I will be enjoying from the TV, unfortunately.”

Simon Pagenaud will start the 103rd Indy 500 on pole, which starts on Sunday at 5pm UK time.