IndyCar drivers are honoured by the prospect of racing alongside one of the "greatest living racing drivers" when Fernando Alonso contests the Indy 500, according to last year's pole winner James Hinchcliffe.
Alonso has completed four days of the opening week of practice for his first Indy 500, which he is contesting in a McLaren-Honda entry run by Andretti Autosport. The two-time world champion has had an encouraging start at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, finishing fourth in on Wednesday and Thursday's practice sessions.
When asked what the reaction to Alonso's participation has been like among the 32 drivers he will contest the Indy 500 alongside, Hinchcliffe told ESPN: "Just huge excitement to have a guy with his credentials and following to come here.