McLaren & Alonso set to enter Indianapolis 500 in 2019

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Two-times Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso and former Formula One constructors' champions McLaren have decided to enter the Indianapolis 500 next year.

The Spaniard will take part in the marquee event of motorsports for the second time as he led in 2017 before retiring with an engine problem during his previous attempt.

The 37-year-old, who is also competing for Toyota in the World Endurance Championship, is saying goodbye to Formula One at the end of this season. That makes him available for the May 26 date in Indianapolis.

Alonso, who is a double Monaco Grand Prix winner, also won another blue riband motorsports event, the Le Mans 24 Hours earlier this year.

Toyota TS050 Hybrid LMP1's driver, Spain's Fernando Alonso, celebrates on the podium after winning the 86th edition of the 24h du Mans car endurance race in Le Mans, France, June 17, 2018. /VCG Photo

If he wins the title at Indianapolis he will create history as only the second driver to achieve the "Triple Crown of Motorsport."

Another two-time former Formula One world champion, Graham Hill, accomplished the incredible milestone when he became the first and only one to have done it till date after completing the triple in 1972.

Alonso had skipped the Monaco Grand Prix last year to fulfill his Indianapolis dream last year and missed the title by a whisker.

Working-based Former F1 champions McLaren, founded by New Zealander Bruce McLaren, have won the Indy 500 three-times in the past. In 1972, they provided a car for Mark Donohue as a private entry, and in 1974 and 1976, they entered the big event as a works entry with Johnny Rutherford.

They will compete at The Brickyard next year as McLaren Racing team.