Alonso was mentored by the 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner Gil de Ferran, and Michael Andretti was his strategist. He visited Andretti Autosport's headquarters in Indianapolis on 24 April for a seat fitting. Alonso was acquainted with his race engineer and Andretti Autosports technical director Eric Bretzman and the crew chief Dave Popielarz. He then spent time in Honda Performance Development's oval simulator under the supervision of De Ferran to prepare for the race. Driving the No. 29 McLaren-Honda-Andretti Dallara DW12, he completed a three-stage rookie orientation programme at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on 3 May. Alonso advanced to the Fast Nine shootout in qualifying and set the fifth-fastest four-lap average speed; in the race, he led four times for a total of 27 laps before his engine failed with 21 laps to go. Alonso was classified 24th.