Alonso says Indy 500 is even bigger than he thought

FILE PHOTO - Formula One - Japanese Grand Prix - Suzuka Circuit, Japan- 6/10/16. McLaren's Fernando Alonso of Spain walks in the paddock to attend a news conference. REUTERS/Toru Hanai/File Photo

SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) - Fernando Alonso had a hunch that entering next month's Indianapolis 500 was going to be a big deal but on Thursday he confessed to a misjudgement - the race was even bigger than he had imagined.

Speaking to reporters at the Russian Grand Prix after attending an IndyCar race in Alabama at the weekend, the double Formula One world champion expressed surprise at the level of interest in the United States.