McLaren Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso says his experience at the Indianapolis 500 was “amazing”, despite being “disappointed” not to finish.
The Spaniard missed the Monaco Grand Prix to race with McLaren, Honda and Andretti at the famous IndyCar race, starting from fifth on the grid.
He had a strong first half of the race, even moving into the lead on several occasions, before he was shuffled back during a round of pitstops.
Alonso had recovered to seventh when with just over 20 laps remaining he pulled off track with an engine problem, bringing his Indy 500 debut to an early end.
“I'm disappointed not to finish the race because obviously, every race you compete in, you want to be at the chequered flag,” he admitted.
“Today that was not possible. It was a great experience, the last two weeks. I came here basically to prove myself, to challenge myself.
“I know that I can be as quick as anyone in an F1 car. I didn't know if I can be as quick as anyone in an Indy car. It was nice to have this competitive feeling, even leading the Indy 500, you know.
“One lap you put on the lead there, it was already a nice feeling. I was passing, watching the tower, saw the 29 on top of it.
“Thanks to INDYCAR, amazing experience. Thanks to Indianapolis. Thanks to the fans. I felt at home. I'm not American, but I felt really proud to race here.”
His Andretti team-mate and former F1 rival Takuma Sato won the race, with Alonso admitting “the last two laps I was on my knees” pushing for the Japanese driver to win.
