Alonso surprised by Indy pay-cheque

  • Published on 01 Jun 2017 11:34
  • 6
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Fernando Alonso has admitted that he is surprised about how large his pay was for the Indy 500. The Spaniard skipped the Monaco Grand Prix last weekend in a bid to try his fortunes at the Indy 500. Despite a strong fortnight at Indy, he retired from the race due to an engine failure.

He impressed heavily and had a big impact at the famous event, so much so that he was awarded Rookie of the Year, following the race. It is estimated that he took home over $300,000 with that reward, and said a lot of F1 drivers will now be coming to compete.

"I'm going to have to tell the guys in Formula 1," the McLaren-Honda driver laughed to German broadcaster RTL. "It's a really good thing you have here, and I think a lot of F1 drivers will be coming soon." 

IndyCar racer Tony Kanaan also hit back at Lewis Hamilton after the Brit questioned the level of competition in IndyCar. After qualifying for the race, Hamilton said: "To see him fifth against drivers who are there all year is ... interesting."

Kanaan retaliated, saying: "The guy (Hamilton) competed in a two-car world championship last year and was second, so I don't think he can say much. It was a pleasure to have Fernando here. He is humble, not like some of his colleagues who were making comments this month."

 

Fergal Walsh

Replies (6)

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  • *Applaud* Way to go Tony Kanaan! lol, said what all of us were thinking.

    • + 0
    • Jun 1 2017 - 11:51
  • StigsSon

    Posts: 35

    Respect to Tony Kanaan for saying it how it is..

    • + 0
    • Jun 1 2017 - 11:51
  • JoeGreen84

    Posts: 30

    why would you pick the year he came second to rosberg to quote? the figures speak for themselves. On hard fact and figures hamilton is one of the greatest. Simple. it does show how good the top drivers are in F1 that they can switch so readily to other formulas and be at the top - see Nico hulk in WEC now nando in indy. Yes we may see more doing it but im not sure they will be as successful as nando or have the backing he has had as a one time offer.

    • + 0
    • Jun 1 2017 - 12:12
    • Wolfgang

      Posts: 313

      Because it´s lewis who started this badmouthing shit (again).
      It´s nothing less than really disrespectful and Tonys answer was quite the right one.

      Hamiltons figures may speak for him, yes, but his character and his comments in public doesn´t. Concerning this he is nowhere near a Rosberg, or a Raikkonen, or a Vettel or a Button. He lacks class and character.

      • + 2
      • Jun 1 2017 - 13:57
    • I have always loved Lewis on track. Off track? He wasn't always despicable, but he really is now. So obsessed with his image and celebrity status. The pathetic hating on Rosberg, the constant self-promoting, the innuendos about Mercedes favouring Rosberg even after winning two championships. I love Lewis the driver, I just wish he could be a bit more like 2008 Lewis.

      @Wolfgang I would just remove Raikkonen from that list. He is a character because he is kind of an indifferent jerk.

      • + 0
      • Jun 1 2017 - 17:27
    • Yeah, Lewis is a good driver, but Im not sure if Im fond of the way he flaps his jaw. Its not a positive trait, and thats why I always liked Button more. He isnt necessarily a better driver than Hamilton (though a bit more wellrounded IMO), but a greater gentleman is hard to find.

      • + 0
      • Jun 1 2017 - 19:50

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