Fernando Alonso failed to finish in his debut Indianapolis 500, but he still gained the praise of many.
The two-time Formula One champion skipped the Monaco Grand Prix to compete in America's most famous face. It's part of his dream to become only the second driver to win the Triple Crown of Motorsport - the Monaco Grand Prix, Le Mans 24 Hours and Indianapolis 500.
Alonso retired from the race 21 laps from the end, as his McLaren-Honda-Andretti suffered engine failure. The Spaniard led for 27 laps in the race, after starting the race in fifth place.
Such was the impression Alonso made in his debut race, he was asked to speak to the media after the race despite his retirement.
"It was a great experience, the last two weeks. I came here basically to prove myself, to challenge myself. I know that I can be as quick as anyone in an F1 car. I didn't know if I can be as quick as anyone in an IndyCar."
New Leader: Fernando Alonso! #INDYCAR #Indy500 https://t.co/1I2XeiVHry pic.twitter.com/skyzazEfAS
— IndyCar Series (@IndyCar) May 28, 2017
"It was nice to have this competitive feeling, even leading the Indy 500, you know. One lap you put on the lead there, it was already a nice feeling. I was passing, watching the [finishing] tower, saw the [car number] 29 on top of it... I want that picture at home."
Alonso returns to Formula 1 for the Canadian Grand Prix next month, but he still hopes to compete once more at Indianapolis.
"If I come back here, at least I know how it is everything. It will not be the first time I do restarts, pit stops, all these kind of things. So will be an easier, let's say, adaptation. Let's see what happen in the following years."
"I need to keep pursuing this challenge because winning the Indy 500 is not completed. It holds a new challenge if I can find a car that slow me down somehow."
The race was won by former Formula 1 driver Takuma Sato. He becomes the first Japanese driver to win the race.
Fascinating when a world champion tries a different discipline in any form of sport. Good on ya Alonso. https://t.co/r6F4aYlQnH
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) May 28, 2017
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