Indy 500: Fernando Alonso to drive for Arrow McLaren SP in 2020

Two-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso is set to return to the Indy 500 driving for Arrow McLaren SP in the 104th running this May.

Ending months of speculation, Arrow McLaren SP have confirmed that two-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso is set to join the team for the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this May.

The 38-year-old Spaniard is set to drive the #66 Chevrolet for the team alongside full-time drivers Patricio O’Ward behind the wheel of the #5 Chevrolet and Oliver Askew behind the wheel of the #7 Chevrolet. His car is slated to be engineered by Craig Hampson.

Ruoff Mortgage is set to serve as the primary sponsor of Alonso’s #66 Chevrolet. They served as the primary sponsor of the #26 Andretti Autosport Honda that Takuma Sato drove to victory lane in this race three years ago.

Here is what Alonso had to say about this opportunity, according to IndyCar.

"“I am a racer and the Indy 500 is the greatest race in the world. I love the incredible fans who make it so special for all of us drivers and make me want to come back. I have maximum respect for this race and everyone who competes in it, and all I want to do is race against them and give my best, as always.“It was important for me to explore my options for this race, but Arrow McLaren SP has always been at the top. I have a special relationship with McLaren; we’ve been through a lot together and that creates a bond, a loyalty that is strong.“But more than that, I am impressed with how the new organization and operation is developing into a strong package with the Chevrolet partnership. The team has experienced, well-qualified people and great resources, and I’m confident we can be competitive.“I’m focused and excited to begin our preparations. It will also be great to work with Oliver and Pato, two fantastic young talents for the future who are growing all the time.”"

Here is what Arrow McLaren SP co-owner Sam Schmidt had to say.

"“We have fast cars at Indy and fully believe (Alonso) has the talent to run at the front, not just participate. That, combined with Chevy power and the experience of the team, will make this trio of drivers one of the strongest in the field.”"

Here is what McLaren CEO Zak Brown had to add.

"“We’ve always said we’re open to running Fernando in a third car for the 500, so we’re delighted he’s decided to join us. Fernando is one of the greatest drivers in the sport and it’s fantastic to have him as part of the team. It’s a fine way to contest our first Indy 500 as Arrow McLaren SP and to have Ruoff Mortgage backing Fernando is a perfect partnership.”"

Ruoff Mortgage CEO Mark Music added the following.

"“We hope Fernando takes home the coveted Triple Crown of Motorsport in the Ruoff Mortgage car at this year’s Indy 500. It’s going to be a very exciting race.”"

Alonso made his IndyCar debut in this 200-lap race around the four-turn, 2.5-mile (4.023-kilometer) Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval in Speedway, Indiana back in 2017 driving for Andretti Autosport through a partnership with McLaren.