Date set for Alonso's first IndyCar run

Cape Town - Fernando Alonso will have his first taste of IndyCars on May 3 when he takes to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for his first test ahead of his Indy 500 debut.

Earlier this month McLaren announced that they would run Alonso in the 101st Indianapolis 500, featuring a joint entry with Honda and Andretti Autosport.

And it is set to a busy build-up for the double F1 champion.

Alonso will visit the Andretti team this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham before heading to Sochi for the Russian Grand Prix.

Almost immediately after the F1 race he will head back to the United States to take part in a one-day IndyCar test on Wednesday, May 3 at the hallowed Speedway.

The test, which will be Alonso's first taste of oval racing, will take place from 09:00 to 17:00.