Brown claims Alonso is one of the favourites for Speedway race; But McLaren boss admits inexperience could be key factor
Monday 29 May 2017 08:33, UK
Fernando Alonso has proved he has the "pure speed" to claim a sensational Indianapolis 500 victory this weekend, according to Zak Brown.
Formula 1 star Alonso is skipping the Monaco GP to take part in the iconic American event, qualifying fifth for McLaren Honda Andretti as he looks to become just the 10th rookie to win the race.
And Brown, who encouraged the two-time F1 champion to take his mind off McLaren's 2017 woes and compete, believes the Spaniard can pull off a shock result.
"I think he can win," the McLaren executive director told Sky F1's Rachel Brookes during The Grand Prix Show on talkSPORT 2. "You've got what appears to be five, six, seven cars that are the fastest and I do think Fernando's definitely in that group. I don't think they will be beat if the race is on pure speed.
"Then maybe you've got another five cars that can win on a little bit of strategy going your way. Then another five that could win if something dramatic happens.
"Ultimately, because something dramatic usually does happen, I think that means you've got 15 people, none of which I would be surprised if they win the Indy 500. But if Fernando's there at the end, he's going to be a tough cookie."
Button: I've done my time in F1
Jenson Button is filling in for Alonso at McLaren this weekend, as the 35-year-old ignites his quest for motor racing's so-called 'triple crown' of Monaco, which he has won twice, Indy and the Le Mans 24 Hours sportscar race.
But in a 200-lap, 500-mile race, inexperience could play a key role at the Speedway, especially when considering that Alonso hadn't even raced an IndyCar until earlier this month.
"There's a lot of cars out there, so not getting caught up in somebody else's mistake is tough," added Brown. "For sure, Fernando will have to dodge a few bullets, the type of race that it is.
"There's also a way you race. He's not going to know what lap 100 is like because he's never done it yet. Nigel Mansell, who in 1993 almost won the race, ultimately got caught out by his inexperience on the restart and finished third.
"The drivers love that Fernando is here but when the green flag drops, they're all going to get down to business and there are some great drivers in IndyCar."
You can hear the full Zak Brown interview, as well as insight from Rachel Brookes and Kevin Eason, at 6pm on Wednesday 24th May on talkSPORT 2 during The Grand Prix Show - an hour-long show that goes to air ahead of each GP weekend. Listen live here.
