McLaren’s Fernando Alonso will go one step further in his pursuit of the “Triple Crown” of motor sport by taking part for the first time in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Toyota in June, 2018.
Alonso is struggling in Formula 1 after winning the Monaco Grand Prix in 2006 and 2007. He dreams of adding to his track record in the legendary endurance race and Indy 500, a trilogy that only the British Graham Hill realised.
“I’ve never been shy about my aim of winning motorsport’s “Triple Crown” – the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indy 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. We tried for Indy last year, came close, but just missed out.” Alonso said.
“This year, thanks to McLaren, I’m going to have the chance to race for the victory at Le Mans. It’s a huge challenge, many things can go wrong, but I’m ready, well prepared and cannot wait to fight.” Alonso added.
The 36-year-old driver will be competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), which will not take place at the same time as an Formula 1 Grand Prix for the number 8 Toyota TS050 Hybrid, alongside the Switzerland Sebastian Buemi and Japanese Kazuki Nakajima.
Alonso will make his debut in the WEC’s top class, the LMP1, at the Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, in Belgium, on May 5, but he will not participate in the Fuji Six Hours, Japan, run on October 21, as the USA Grand Prix.
“My deal to race in WEC was only made possible through the good understanding and strong relationship I have with McLaren, and I’m very happy that they listened and understood what this means to me.” Alonso said.
Fernando Alonso joined Indy 500 in USA last year. (Source:www.dailyexpress.co.uk)
“This challenge will not move me away from my Formula 1 with McLaren. My aim is to be competitive at every single Grand Prix and I’m sure we’re getting closer.
“Endurance racing is a different discipline compared to single-seaters and it will be an interesting challenge. I am looking forward to working together with and learning from Sebastien and Kazuki, who are both very experienced endurance drivers.” a two-time Formula 1 world champion added.
