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Why treacherous Indy is so special

Those in a Formula 1 bubble may not give the Indianapolis 500 the real interest it deserves, but it's a special race thanks to tradition, danger and - of course - Fernando Alonso

My first visit to the Indianapolis 500 was back in 1981, when Bobby Unser, then 47 years old, won the race for the third time. It must be said that his victory was a contentious one, Unser being accused of passing several cars 'under yellow' as he rejoined the track after a pitstop, and the following day he was given a 'one-place' penalty.

That morning I was on a flight to New York when the pilot, learning of the United States Auto Club's decision, immediately decided to share it with his passengers. "So therefore, ladies and gentlemen," he concluded, "the winner of the Indy 500 is... Mario Andretti!"

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