Fernando Alonso said that his racing in Sunday's Indy 500 "spurred great interest in Spain" and that other Formula 1 drivers "crossing over would benefit" U.S. racing and F1, according to Larry Fine of REUTERS. Alonso said, "I think Formula 1 needs North America and maybe North America needs more of Formula 1 than what we currently have. I think it's a win-win situation." Alonso added that he understood interest in the Indy 500 in his native Spain had "spiked" by 800%. Alonso: "For the fans, from what I see now in Spain and Europe, it is amazing the interest in the Indy 500 this year compared to any other year. Everyone in Spain, they are waiting for May 28 to watch the race." He also believes U.S. fans will become "more intrigued" by F1 "as they get to know those drivers." Alonso said, "We have new owners of Formula 1, (U.S.-based) Liberty Media, and I think they have some good plans to build interest here." With his contract up after this season with the "poorly performing" McLaren-Honda team, Alonso remained "tight-lipped about his future." Alonso: "After the summer I will consider what are the options out there" (REUTERS, 5/24).