IndyCar: Chevrolet Ready To Help Alonso After Honda Refuse Power Unit

Fernando Alonso’s hopes of driving in the IndyCar Series in 2019 or at least getting a chance to compete at the Indy500 seemed to take a major hit after it was revealed Honda will not supply the power unit for a potential McLaren-Andretti tie up.

But there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel for the Spaniard with American car manufacturer Chevrolet confirming their interest in partnering with Andretti and providing Alonso a car to compete next season.

The partnership could be tricky as Andretti was currently a customer of the Japanese engine manufacturer and for them to tie up with a competitor was likely to have some obstruction. Honda did power Alonso’s bid to win the Indy500 in 2017, but his open criticism of their power unit during their partnership with McLaren in F1 for three seasons seemed to have burnt all the bridges.

The Japanese manufacturer was said to be against Alonso driving a car powered by Honda. Moreover, another sticking point was said to be his association with rival manufacturer Toyota in the World Endurance Championship.

The double F1 world champion completed his first IndyCar road course test earlier this month and it was in an Andretti Motorsport car powered by Honda, but the Japanese manufacturer seemed to have changed their stance since. Andretti were still keen to bring Alonso to the American motor racing series and Chevrolet confirmed they are willing to partner with them.

“The addition of Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso to the IndyCar driver roster is an exciting possibility for the series,” Chevrolet's director of motorsports competition Mark Kent told Autosport.

“We previously enjoyed success with Andretti Autosport, including winning the drivers' championship with them [and Ryan Hunter-Reay] in 2012. … Therefore, if the opportunity presented itself, we would certainly be open to discussions with Andretti Autosport regarding them again partnering with Chevrolet,” he added.

Alonso confirmed in August he will leave Formula 1 at the end of the 2018 season, but remained coy on his future plans. But it was clear IndyCar was part of his plans as he was chasing the dream of becoming only the second driver after Graham Hill to win motorsport’s fabled Triple Crown – which required a driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix, the LeMans 24-hours and the Indy500.

The Spaniard checked the first two boxes and was now eager to compete for the Indy500. It was unclear if he will drive a full season in IndyCar or only compete in one race, but McLaren are eager to be a part of his journey.

Despite the Woking based team’s interest in IndyCar and Andretti’s openness to partner with them, they have been noncommittal with CEO Zak Brown suggesting a number of pieces were yet to fall into place before they make a commitment to the American motor racing series.