Alonso reckons Indy schedule a ‘bit optimistic’

IndyCar is hoping to get going in May and has pencilled in the Indianapolis 500 for August, however, Fernando Alonso reckons that may be a “little bit optimistic”.

Like the rest of the world’s sporting series, the IndyCar championship is on hold.

The organisers have released what they hope will be a revised schedule, starting in May on the streets of Detroit before, eight races later, heading to Indianapolis.

Alonso is down to race in the latter, rejoining McLaren for a third bid at the Indy 500 title.

The Spaniard, though, doubts the season will get underway in May.

“It is tough to imagine the 30th of May being the first race on the new calendar,” RaceFans quote Alonso as having said during an Instagram chat.

“Hopefully this is happening, but it may be a little bit optimistic.”

The Indianapolis 500 was initially scheduled for May but has since been pushed back two months.

“Now it’s not happening in May, fingers crossed in August, we will see [everyone] there,” Alonso added.

“Now with the team, with McLaren, trying to figure out a little bit of the new calendar and the new simulation sessions that Chevy will open hopefully soon.

“We are in standby, it’s the same for everybody.

“So waiting here at home, trying to do some fitness and some exercise.”

Alonso needs the Indianapolis 500 victory to grab motor racing’s Triple Crown.

Already the double F1 Champion counts the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monaco F1 Grand Prix on his list of race wins.

Should he achieve the feat, Alonso will join Graham Hill as only the second man in racing history to bag the Triple Crown.

The Spaniard retired from his first Indy attempt when his Honda engine blew while last year he failed to qualify for the race.

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