Carlin to hookup with McLaren for IndyCar go (2nd Update)

UPDATE We are downgrading this rumor to 'false' today. Following the announcement that Brown’s United Autosports and Andretti Autosport have bought into Walkinshaw Racing Supercars team, both have suggested a possible renewal of the partnership in 2018, although neither made any reference to Alonso returning. The Spaniard has yet to renew his contract with McLaren, which will be switching to Renault engines next year.

Andretti told Motorsport.com: “There’s still a good chance that McLaren can be at Indy with us next year, so we’ll see.

“Zak is trying to get his house in order a little bit, but the plan is to do things together in the future, hopefully at Indy."

Brown expressed similar sentiments, but suggested that improving McLaren’s fortunes in Formula 1 – it is currently ninth out of 10 teams in the constructors’ championship – was a priority.

He told Motorsport.com: “IndyCar remains of interest to McLaren. We had an outstanding experience with Andretti Autosport and we continue to explore ways to continue our involvement.

“[But] 2018 is around the corner and we are very focused on F1 right now."

Trevor Carlin

10/03/17

Carlin Racing continues to take major steps toward entering the Verizon IndyCar Series in 2018. Although the junior open-wheel powerhouse entrant has yet to formally announce its plans, RACER reports the British team owned by Trevor Carlin and backed by Grahame Chilton has purchased at least one brand-new Dallara DW12 chassis from the Italian constructor.

Numerous job offers to staff an IndyCar effort have also been made to members of the paddock, including those who lost their jobs after the Sonoma season finale on Sept. 17.

09/25/17 Trevor Carlin says it is increasingly likely that his Carlin team will step up to IndyCar in 2018, amid suggestions the outfit has held talks with McLaren about a project.

Autosport's David Malsher rumors that Carlin has held initial talks with McLaren in the past month, and there have been rumors that outgoing Chip Ganassi Racing drivers Max Chilton and Charlie Kimball could join the program.

Chilton's father Grahame is the co-owner of Carlin.

While Carlin would not be drawn on specifics of a move up the ladder, he said a deal to reach IndyCar is closer than it had previously been.

"When we start something, we like to stay in it," he said.

"There hasn't been a right moment in the past, but I think the right moment is approaching.

"I'm not going to stand here now and say it's a done deal, but I would say that the odds on us being on the grid next year are the highest they've ever been.

"It's just a case of putting the package together now."