Alexander Rossi jokes with Fernando Alonso about Indy 500 engine change

Alexander Rossi joked Fernando Alonso was a specialist in engine changes during a humorous press conference following qualifying for the Indianapolis 500.

Alonso's engineers spotted an issue on the telemetry during final practice and mechanics from all of Andretti Autosport's six entries in the race were involved in a race against time to change the engine for qualifying.

The Spaniard started by explaining how he feared he wouldn't be able to take part in Sunday's "Fast Nine Shootout":

Reporter: Fernando you had engine issues in morning practice was there anything you took from it into qualifying?

Alonso: "The practice felt good, but then we spotted some problems with the engine so at one point in the morning we didn't know if we'd be able to run in qualifying as we had to change the whole engine.

"But the team were amazing, there were guys from all six cars working on car 29 just to make it possible. Thanks to all that teamwork I was able to go to qualifying."

But quickly the press conference turned to laughs as Alonso pointed out he was used to having to change his Honda power unit in F1:

Reporter: "Fernando at any point during the engine change were you beginning to get a little nervous?"

Alonso: "I'm used to it. I'm used to changing the engine before qualifying and the race so I wasn't nervous.

Rossi: "It's your speciality."

Qualiying Report

Fernando Alonso secures second row start at the Indy 500

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