Fernando Alonso will reportedly take part in an IndyCar test next month ahead of a potential move to the series next season.
The two-time Formula 1 champion confirmed he’ll step away from F1 at the end of this season, but didn’t reveal further details about his plans for 2019.
He’s been combining his McLaren duties with an entry in the World Endurance Championship for Toyota this season and is expected to take part in next year’s Indy 500 in a bid to complete the Triple Crown of Motorsport.
RACER reports that the Spaniard will take part in a road course test using an Andretti Autosport car at Barber Motorsports Park following IndyCar’s Portland Grand Prix and the F1 Italian Grand Prix on September 2nd. The Alabama track has been chosen because IndyCar rules prevent a driver from testing at a circuit still to be raced on this season in case the team collects data which could help later in the year.
The CEO of IndyCar’s parent organisation confirmed McLaren are still attempting to enter IndyCar next year, and that the series is supporting the team’s efforts. The Brazilian media have claimed Alonso is close to joining Harding Racing with the team receiving backing from McLaren, Andretti and Chevrolet. Harding already have one driver lined up for 2019, but confirmed earlier this year that they were looking to become a two-car team for next year.
Grande Premio claims Alonso will take part in the full IndyCar season with Harding. Although IndyCar is yet to finalise its 2019 calendar, none of next year’s races are likely to clash with the remaining rounds of WEC, potentially allowing Alonso to continue to race for Toyota, while continuing in F1 would have given Alonso clashes with WEC’s 1000 Miles of Sebring in March and the Indy 500, which takes place on the same day as the Monaco Grand Prix.