Fernando Alonso could race with Toyota At Le Mans

Fernando Alonso could race with Toyota At Le Mans

Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso could drive for Toyota at next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, according to a report by Motorsport.com. The Spaniard confirmed he would remain with McLaren for the 2018 F1 season, and is set to race at the Daytona 24 Hours in January 2018.

Alonso is rumoured to have visited the Toyota Motorsport GmbH factory in Cologne for a seat fitting, and is close to securing a deal to drive a Toyota TS050 Hybrid in the Bahrain test on November 19. The 2005 and 2006 champion has expressed his interest in securing the Triple Crown — the Monaco Grand Prix, Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500 — a feat achieved by the late Graham Hill.

“We are always interested in talking to top drivers and Pascal [Vasselon, TMG technical director] has a good relationship with Fernando going back to his days with Michelin in F1,” said Rob Leupen, team director at Toyota Motorsport GmbH.

The 2018 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will take place between June 17 and 18, occupying the free space between the Canadian Grand Prix (June 10) and the returning French Grand Prix (June 24). Alonso won’t be the only current F1 driver to have raced at the prestigious endurance race – Nico Hülkenberg drove for Porsche in 2015, winning on his first try alongside Nick Tandy and Earl Bamber.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • shidi on Nov 13, 2017 at 1:41 pm

    please make it happen toyota!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • heybadigol (Member) on Nov 13, 2017 at 1:59 pm

    Hasn’t Fernando learnt any lesson from working with Japanese companies? Which is to not to. Anyways, good luck to him. Hopefully date does not clash with any F1 races

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • 12yrsold on Nov 13, 2017 at 5:15 pm

    Fernando Alonso – The talented & gifted Spaniard who could have won more than 2 title but prefer to be spending his time in MacLaren. Maybe the $$$ is more tempting than F1 titles.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Good luck Fernando. Your current F1 car does not do justice to your talent.
    Hopefully the Renault engines can will be more competitive with the McLaren chassis next year.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • alldisc on Nov 14, 2017 at 12:47 pm

    The reason why Alonso won 2005 and 2006 F1 championship was only for 2 reasons –
    1. FIA new regulations on tyre change (which was not allowed during race). hello!! what is racing
    2. starting race with whatever fuel left in tank after qualifying.

    racing is all about playing strategies. which Ross Brawn was a master, Renault gained advantage with Michelin tyres which lasted longer and not Alonso.

    the proof – after 2006, Alonso failed to win any F1 titles anymore.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Norbert D'hiet on Nov 14, 2017 at 2:49 pm

    Nice to hear that.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required