Alonso swaps F1 to chase American dream

Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso is set to race in the Indianapolis 500 on May 28 – missing the Monaco Grand Prix – to pursue a lifetime ambition of winning the ‘Triple Crown’ of motorsport

FERNANDO ALONSO: CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

2001: Makes F1 debut with Minardi, achieving best finish of 10th-place

2003: After season test driving for Renault, claims first race victory in Hungary – finishes 6th in driver standings

2005: Wins first World Championship with Renault. Becomes youngest ever champion,
aged 24, ending five-year dominance of Michael Schumacher

2006: Defends title. Claims victory in Monaco Grand Prix for first time

2007: Transfers to McLaren – quits after turbulent season, which includes Ferrari spy affair. Returns to Renault

2010: Signs for Ferrari. Misses out on third F1 title by just four points

2013: Finishes season in second place for third time with Ferrari as car struggles against Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel

2015: Joins McLaren Honda

May 28, 2017: Set to race in Indy500 for McLaren/Andretti Dallara-Honda, in bid to win second leg of Triple Crown - Monaco, Indianapolis and Le Mans 24 hours - feat so far achieved only by Graham Hill (below)

Alonso during first Indy500 test on May 3

Sources: F1, Indy500

Pictures: Getty, AP