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Racing driver Jack Harvey has opened his heart after a memorable month as team-mate of Formula 1 legend Fernando Alonso.

The Lincolnshire racer achieved his dream to drive in the Indy 500, when he signed a deal to drive Andretti Motorsport’s fifth car at the world famous event.

However, days later, Andretti announced Alonso had also been signed by the team, a deal which was to have a major impact on Harvey and his big chance to break into Indy Car.

"When I signed my deal with Andretti there was no word of the Fernando Alonso deal,” said the Bassingham born racer.

"I was excited when I heard Fernando would be part of the team, but then there was a very quick realisation when I wondered where it would leave me and my own deal.

"I think it’s fair to say that Andretti were stretched and unfortunately I was a bit of a guinea pig.

"My initial deal was to be the Andretti Motorsport fifth car, but, after the Alonso deal I ended up being in a sixth car supplied by Andretti with Michael Shank Racing.

“If they had told me before I signed how it was actually going to be, I don’t know if it would have been a deal we would have taken.

"But the situation happened and it was either go and race in the Indy 500 or don’t race."

Harvey, though insists the Andretti team is aware of the issues that marred his Indy 500 bid and the 24-year-old is now working with the team again in the hope of putting together a deal for more Indy Car drives in the future.

The former British Formula 3 champion claims Andretti are discussing a number of options in view of compensating him and he believes a drive at the season-ending Sonoma race is a strong possibility.

"There are a couple of races that have been mentioned, it may not be just the one race, but that would be part of the compensation package that we are talking about,” explained Harvey.

"It will most likely be the season finale at Sonoma. I have won there before in Indy Lights and I tested there in an Indy Car and was very fast.”

While Harvey’s first drive at the Indy 500 was not without problems – his race ended on lap 65 after debris from another driver’s crash hit his car - he insists the experience is head and shoulders above anything else he has done throughout his racing career.

"I felt a little bit conflicted because while it was great Alonso was there and I felt proud to be his team-mate, the flip side was the person who was affected most by him being there was me,” added Harvey.

"Alonso coming over to take part in the race directly impacted on my deal, that’s clear. I think it is in everyone’s interest to try and do at least one more race this season.

"But in terms of was it a good experience to be his team-mate and to be able to learn from him, I would say it was the most invaluable thing I have ever done.

"I could see why he has won two Formula 1 world championships, he has incredible presence. When he walks into a room you know he has walked in. He has a great sense of humour, he’s a very funny guy and easy to chat to.

"I saw him every single day, because we would do all our de-briefs together. In many ways I felt like an equal because we were both asking the same questions.

"I learned so much, it was so interesting to see a true professional go about his day. He is a great driver. I think what makes him that good is the ability to be close to the edge and to be so comfortable to be close to the edge is very cool. I was very impressed with that."