Alonso: Difficult to make promises about Indy 500 return

Fernando Alonso says he is yet to make a decision about returning to contest the Indianapolis 500 following his failure to qualify for this year’s race.

The two-time Formula 1 world champion and McLaren were eliminated from qualifying and missed out on a spot at this weekend’s Indy 500 after being pipped late on by American Kyle Kasier.

Alonso hoped to win the prestigious event in his second attempt and complete his quest to claim motorsport’s triple crown, having already taken victories in the Monaco Grand Prix and 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“Right now I think it's difficult to make any promise,” Alonso replied when asked if he planned to return in future.

“It's just too soon to make decisions. I don't know even what I will do after next month Le Mans 24 hours, finish my program in the world endurance championship, and I wanted to have the 2020 open because I don't know exactly what opportunities may come for me for next year in terms of racing.

“So, I don't know - until I know the program for next year, I cannot promise or have any idea in my mind. But as I always say, I would be more than happy to race here again in the future and to win the triple crown, which is still a target.”

“You know, maybe I race different series with different challenges,” he added. “Maybe next year, as well, completely out of my comfort zone again, and maybe, you know, this type of challenge, they can bring you a lot of success and you can be part of the history of the sport or can be really disappointed.”

Alonso said he remains “proud” of his qualifying effort and believes McLaren deserves credit for what it was attempting to achieve.

“I think there are always things that you learn and things that you improve for next time you're here, the next challenge not only in the Indy 500 but as a driver,” he explained.

“I still feel proud. Obviously I'm disappointed now because we will not be in the race, but as I said, even for McLaren, they will be a bit thin in the next few days, and then everyone will forget.

“I feel unfair a little bit if things goes on that way. We didn't do the job. We were not quick enough. Simple. The others, they did better. We congratulate them. But at the same time, I think only McLaren is the only team in motorsport that won the Indy 500, won the Le Mans 24-hour, won the Formula 1 championship.

“You can only do that if you try. If you stay only in one series and you concentrate there for all your history or your organization is only racing in one series, maybe you can succeed, you can have good seasons, bad seasons. But you are in that small world.

“But in terms of motorsport in general, to be here and at least try, it deserves some credit. Obviously we are all disappointed, and we will try to do better next time. But it's that kind of things that you learn. I said before, I prefer to be here, even 34th, than being at home like last year.”