The Chip Ganassi Racing-Honda driver said that the Spaniard’s ability gives him a “great shot” at adding the Indianapolis 500 to his Monaco wins, as he seeks to achieve the Triple Crown of racing.

Asked how soon he expects the McLaren Honda Andretti driver to be a genuine threat, Dixon replied: “Right out of the gate.

“Obviously he’s very accomplished. We’ve seen many rookies win here in the first go and he’s with one hell of a team. I think he’s got a fantastic shot.

“He’s obviously doing well already and once we get down to the nitty gritty, I think in qualifying, he’s not going to have any issue with getting the car on the limit and finding where he’s comfortable. I’m sure he’ll have great speed.

“The race depends on how strategy feeds out.

“Then the last 20-30 laps, the race definitely changes speed a fair bit and people aren’t as nice to you coming to the end.

“But I think he’s got a great shot.”