Former Formula 1 race driver Fernando Alonso was seen testing his McLaren #66 race car at Texas Motor Speedway ahead of Indianapolis 500, which will take place on Sunday 26 May. The race car shares the same papaya orange and blue livery as found on the current McLaren MCL34 F1 challenger, while the #66 is a reference to Mark Donohue’s McLaren-Offy M16 racing in the 1972 Indy 500.

Claiming the Triple Crown is important for Alonso, who won the Monaco Grand Prix and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Currently Graham Hill is the only person who has ever achieved it. Alonso attempted the Indy 500 in 2017 but was forced to retire due to a Honda engine issue. The latest McLaren Indy 500 race car is set up with the Dallara/Chevrolet combination and the team is seeking engineering and technical advice from Carlin.

“I’m excited we are finally able to reveal to the world the #66 car which I’ll be racing with McLaren at the Indy 500 in May. The team at the McLaren factory has worked very hard to build this car ready for our return to the iconic Brickyard and I think it looks fantastic in the 2019 McLaren Racing colours,” said Alonso.