BREAKING: Fernando Alonso to drive the Indy 500 – 16/1 says he wins it
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McLaren, Honda and Fernando Alonso have dropped an almighty bombshell on us today, with the news that the Spaniard will drive in next month’s Indy 500.
It means the two-time Formula One champion will miss the Monaco Grand Prix, scheduled to take place on the same weekend in May.
Alonso has declared his intention to branch out of F1 in recent years, and has also stated his aim to win the triple crown.
The heralded triumvirate includes the Monaco GP – which he has won – plus the Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans 24 hours.
Graham Hill remains the only driver to have ever achieved the fete.
Teaming up with American outfit Andretti Autosport, McLaren and Honda will be hoping to achieve success across the pond at the famous Brickyard.
It has been done before, with Jim Clark and Hill winning the fabled event in the 1960s, but no current F1 driver has taken to the Indy 500 in decades.
McLaren have pedigree in the historic race, winning it twice in 1974 and 1976.
Nico Hulkenberg’s Le Mans win last year will only have further inspired Alonso, who looks set for another tough season in Formula One.
It’s yet to be confirmed, but is widely envisaged that Jenson Button will take Alonso’s seat in Monaco.
Our traders have been quick to react to the stunning news, and go 16/1 that Alonso lands part two of his triple crown quest next month.
It’s 5/1 the 35-year-old finishes inside the top-three, with 20s available he sensationally secures pole position at Indianapolis.
As for Button, we go 3/1 that the 2009 world champion showcases his quality by bringing home a points finish for McLaren at the Principality.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
