McLaren to use Chevrolet power at 2019 Indy 500

McLaren has confirmed that it will use Chevrolet power at the 2019 Indianapolis 500. The Woking outfit announced last month that it would be returning to the Brickyard for the 103rd running of the Indy 500 with Fernando Alonso.

It has not said whether Alonso will be the sole entry, or if it will enter a second car for the race. As expected, it has struck up a deal with Chevrolet rather than run with Honda power, as it did when it entered the 2017 race in partnership with Andretti Autosport.

Despite Chevrolet's dominance in the manufacturer's championship since 2012, it has taken just three Indy 500 wins to Honda's four in that time. Earlier this year, it won its first Indy 500 with Will Power since Juna Pablo Montoya crossed the line in first in 2015.

Speaking about the dal with the American manufacturer, two-time Formula 1 champion Alonso said: “Having Chevrolet power behind me means we’re putting ourselves in the best possible position to compete at the front."

McLaren worked with Chevrolet in the '70s as part of its CanAm programme. McLaren IndyCar president Bob Fernley highlighted the partnership with Chevrolet as "a key piece of our plan for the 2019 Indy 500.

“As the reigning winning engine, the Chevrolet motor puts us in a strong position to contest this incredibly challenging event. We’ve quickly established a strong working relationship with the Chevrolet team, who are absolute professionals, committed to the challenge, and true racers.”