McLaren sign Fernley to lead IndyCar effort

Former Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley has been put in charge of McLaren's IndyCar team. It was announced last week that Fernando Alonso would be returning to IndyCar to compete at the Indy 500 after his unsuccessful attempt in 2016.

Fernley left Force India after the team's summer takeover by a consortium led by Lawrence Stroll. With Fernley's experience in motorsport, McLaren is hopeful of him leading their new venture to victory.

In a statement by the team, McLaren CEO Zak Brown pointed to Fernley's experience and knowledge as factors that would help the project succeed and become a success.

Fernley admitted that the task in front of him was a big one but that he envisaged success and added he was proud to be a part of the project.

"Heading back to The Brickyard will be a very special experience for me and I am proud to be leading this McLaren project and team," he said.