McLaren has confirmed that it will return to the Indianapolis 500 in 2019 with Fernando Alonso.
Alonso will bow out of Formula 1 at the end of 2018 and has repeatedly emphasised his ambition to complete motorsport's Triple Crown, having added a Le Mans 24 Hours victory this year to his Monaco Grand Prix successes.
Alonso raced at the Indianapolis 500 last year in a McLaren-Andretti-Honda one-car entry and ran competitively before retiring due to an engine failure.
McLaren confirmed on Saturday that it will contest next May's running with Alonso, with further details on the exact programme to be provided in due course.
"I’ve made clear for some time my desire to achieve the Triple Crown," he said.
"I had an incredible experience at Indianapolis in 2017 and I knew in my heart of hearts I had to go back if the opportunity was there.
"I’m especially glad to be returning with McLaren. This was always my first choice if the team decided to do it, so I’m delighted they’ve decided to go ahead.
"It’s a tough race and we’ll be up against the best, so it will be a huge challenge. But we’re racers and that’s why we race. One of the things I’m looking forward to most is seeing the fans again, who are absolutely fantastic."
McLaren boss Zak Brown added: "We are relishing our return to the Brickyard and this incredible race.
"McLaren has a long and fond relationship with the Indianapolis 500 and it’s a case of unfinished business for us with Fernando.
"No Indy 500 is a cakewalk, it’s a massive challenge. We have the utmost respect for the race and our competitors. So, we are under no illusions. But McLaren are racers first and foremost, as is Fernando. We’re going for it."
