IndyCar weighs Alonso guest entry for Barcelona race

IndyCar is considering an additional guest entry for its planned Barcelona race in 2027, with Alex Palou saying he would nominate Fernando Alonso, but the series has made no decision. The race at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is scheduled for July 18, 2027, under a multiyear agreement. It will be IndyCar’s first race in Europe since 2007 and its first event outside North America since 2013. Barcelona-born Palou, a five-time champion, is set to compete in front of a home crowd. IndyCar president Doug Boles said the series’ plan is to field 25 cars at each race in 2027, apart from the Indianapolis 500. He said an extra entry for Barcelona had been discussed internally and would be considered as the event approached, while noting that adding a car would present challenges. Palou said he would put forward Alonso for the possible place, pointing to the Spaniard’s experience competing in the Indianapolis 500 and saying he would be available that weekend. That endorsement does not establish that IndyCar will approve an extra entry or that Alonso will participate. Alonso has welcomed the Barcelona race as a significant event for Spain and its motorsport community. He has also...