McLaren and Carlin form alliance for Indy 500

RC Enerson in one of Carlin's Chevy's at COTA this week

IndyStar reports that sources say McLaren has forged a strategic alliance with NTT IndyCar Series team Carlin Motorsport. Ever since announcing McLaren's intention to return to Indianapolis, CEO Zak Brown has made clear that while he wants this to be a truly McLaren entry — as to opposed to relying so heavily on another team a la Andretti Autosport in 2017 — the team still desired an IndyCar partner.

McLaren found that in Carlin.

The second-year Chevrolet-powered IndyCar team will lend technical and operational support as well as share data and some personnel with McLaren, also a Chevrolet-powered program. In addition, Carlin will provide garage space for McLaren's 500 program.

Team owner Trevor Carlin confirmed the arrangement but declined to offer comment.

We await some announcement from either team.