Alonso plans to use F1 technology to beat rivals in Indy 500

McLaren engineers are coming with Alonso to try and beat Americans at their own game

Fernando Alonso believes that making use of Formula 1 technology in his Indy 500 assault can help make up for his lack of experience of oval racing.

The Spaniard returns to action at Indianapolis on Monday when official practice gets underway.

And, although Alonso impressed during a recent private test where he completed his rookie orientation program, he is under no illusions that his more experienced rivals do have an advantage.

However, he says that making use of McLaren F1 engineering expertise, and some sophisticated systems that are not commonplace in IndyCar, could yet give him an edge.

"I think I have a lower percentage [chance of winning] than some of my opponents do," said Alonso in Barcelona before flying out to Indianapolis.

"I don't have the experience of oval racing, I don't have experience of fighting in traffic or last lap techniques or the little tricks.

"But, at the same time, the level of sophistication we have in F1 is higher than IndyCar. So together with McLaren, we will go there with some people, a group of engineers, helping Andretti's team and maybe thanks to this different approach, the more scientific approach, I will have something extra.

"I have a lower percentage [to win], but it is true that it is a race that anyone can win. There is a luck factor, yellow flags, and safety cars. But even if it is 1 per cent better, it is worth trying." Jonathan Noble/Motorsport