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Former Indy 500 Winner Warns Fernando Alonso About Possible Setback

Former Indy 500 Winner Warns Fernando Alonso About Possible Setback

Will it be a success for Alonso?

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

All the reports from America for McLaren driver Fernando Alonso have been positive so far. However one former champion in Indianapolis, and Alonso's mentor, has warned the F1 driver about a setback.

On May 28th just a couple hours after the Monaco Grand Prix is over but before all the celebrities have hit the casinos in a big way all eyes will be on the Indy 500 and Fernando Alonso.

The Spaniard won't be at the most iconic race in the Formula One calendar and will instead be across the Atlantic, in another McLaren car, as he hopes to complete the second leg of the Triple Crown.

Alonso begins his first test. PA Images

Alonso did his first testing this week ahead of practice and qualifying the week after the Spanish grand prix next weekend and the two time world champions had very good pace.

However 2003 Indy champion and the man mentoring Alonso, Gil de Ferran, warned, in an interview with Motorsport.com, that there will likely be a setback:

"It was no surprise to me that yesterday went so well, because Fernando is one of the greatest talents and the team had everything prepared and a good strategy and so on.

"But I'll be surprised if there isn't a setback at some point in the week of practice. Indianapolis Motor Speedway has a way of throwing curveballs at you. That's just the way it is.

"I don't know what it will be - if I knew, I would prevent it, right?! But there will be something. But that's ok, he has a strong team around him and Fernando is also very experienced in overcoming difficulties, and not raising his expectations too fast, too soon. He will be prepared."

De Ferran, left, back in his racing days. PA Images

The man who has previously worked for BAR-Honda, when Jenson Button was with the team, was very complimentary of Alonso adding:

"Working next to a guy who's a consummate professional like Fernando is very gratifying. We speak the same lingo!

"He is trying to perfect every aspect of his game, he's thinking about it 24/7 and frankly, if you want to be as good as him, that's the least you've got to do!"

May 28th could be a very special day for motor racing but can Alonso win the Indy 500?

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