IndyCar: Colton Herta Not Fazed By Fernando Alonso Ahead Of Indy500 Race

Fernando Alonso will take part in the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 26. It will be his second attempt at winning the iconic Grand Prix after making his IndyCar debut in 2017, when his engine failed with 27 laps remaining in the race.

The Spaniard is a two-time Formula 1 world champion and is looking to become the second driver to win the Triple Crown by claiming the IndyCar 500 win. He has already claimed the other two that comprise of the fabled title – the Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of LeMans.

Despite being considered one of the top racing drivers in the world, IndyCar rookie Colton Herta was not fazed when he was asked about sharing the grid with Alonso. He indicated that the Spaniard maybe an icon in Grand Prix racing – talking about F1 – but believes that in the United States, Alonso was on Herta’s territory.

“I don’t see it that way, no. Maybe if I was at a Grand Prix weekend, maybe a bit more. But not on these weekends, because he’s kind of coming into my playground now…in America. If I was over in Rockingham (Motor Speedway), yes, it would be pretty cool, but it’s different here,” Herta said, as quoted on USA Today.

Herta drives the #88 Honda car on a full-time basis for Harding Steinbrenner Racing and currently leads the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings after four races of the 2019 season. He will line up on the grid with Alonso, who after driving the McLaren Andretti Honda in 2017, will drive a #66 McLaren Chevrolet car this season.

Alonso’s second attempt at winning the Indy500 will be wholly supported by McLaren, unlike the first when it tied up with Andretti Honda. The Woking, England, team designed the car in its factory and the crew for the race will also come from the British team, with Carlin Motorsport only acting as their technical partner for the Grand Prix.

Meanwhile, according to Racer.com, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team - for whom Alonso races in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) - have found a replacement for the Spaniard once his commitments with them conclude following the 24 Hours of LeMans in June.

They have identified former Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 driver Brandon Hartley, who is a two-time WEC LMP1-Hybrid title winner. He will take over the No.8 Toyota Car for the team and will partner Alonso’s current teammates Sebastian Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima.

Alonso won the 24 Hours of LeMans in his first attempt last June and is now well-placed to add the WEC title to his kitty of he again succeeds in the famed 24-hour race in 2019. Alonso’s focus, however, is likely to be entirely on the Indy500 race in May as it represents the final step in making him a Triple Crown winner.