Fernando Alonso is get ready for the “most shocking” four laps of his career in meeting all requirements for the Indianapolis 500. The last day of practice is known as ‘Quick Friday’ since cars are put into qualifying trim, with lessened downforce and expanded power from the engines.
Alonso said he has been advised by mentor Gil de Ferran to expect nerve-wracking laps as “the car is exceptionally on the breaking point”. The Spanish McLaren Formula 1 driver was fourth speediest on Thursday with a normal speed of 225.619mph. The speediest time was set by Briton Jay Howard at 226.744mph.
“Gil de Ferran, my coach, my mentor, told me the four laps in qualifying will be the most horrible you’ve ever done because the car is very on the limit,” said two-time F1 world champion Alonso, 35.
“But I will have a first touch on Fast Friday and then we will see on Saturday.
“We work still a lot on the race situation, getting out there with guys and running in traffic.
“I still miss more laps, but we will try to make the most of it on Friday with the more power we have and try to learn from that.”
Alonso is showing up at the Indy 500 on 28 May as opposed to racing at the Monaco Grand Prix, where he will be supplanted by Britain’s Jenson Button, who is leaving retirement for one race.
The Spaniard has set himself an objective of winning the purported ‘triple crown’ of Monaco, Indy and the Le Mans 24 Hours sportscar race. Just Briton Graham Hill has ever accomplished the deed.
