Andretti close to securing Alonso for Indy 500

Mark Scott
Fernando Alonso has been bored by some of the races in 2019.

Fernando Alonso has been bored by some of the races in 2019.

Michael Andretti has said that a deal to get Fernando Alonso back racing at the Indianapolis 500 in 2020 is “looking pretty good”.

Alonso’s last two attempts, in 2017 and 2019, have come with their own problems – race retirement in 2017 and failing to qualify in 2019 – but he is set to come back for a third crack at clinching the Triple Crown having already won the Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Andretti is looking to secure sponsorship first before putting the finishing touches to a deal with Alonso, but is confident that it will be finalised.

“It’s not done yet but it’s looking pretty good,” Andretti told RACER.

“We want it to happen, and I’ve just got to figure out how to get it funded. I think we can find a sponsor, but do I roll the dice, sign him and then hope to get it funded?

“I really enjoy working with the guy, and I want to make it happen.”

One potential sticking point could be the fact that Japanese manufacturers, Honda, supply Andretti with their engines and Alonso did not particularly see eye to eye with them during their time together at McLaren.

However, Andretti has revealed that he has had no sign of protest from Honda about signing Alonso and there is even scope for future drives beyond Indianapolis 500.

“We talked about it [future drives] and it’s possible, but nothing before Indianapolis,” Andretti added.

“I don’t want to do anything to hurt our other efforts, but it would be great for the series.”

Alonso is currently taking part in his first ever Dakar Rally series, but is finding the iconic event tough going. He was classified P16 after the fourth stage, nearly three hours behind the overall leader.

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