24 Hours of Daytona – A necessary challenge to become a better driver according to Alonso

In search of new challenges in the heart of a difficult new campaign in F1, Fernando Alonso competed in the Indianapolis 500 for the first time last year, with the trio McLaren-Andretti – Honda.

A notable debut with performances top notch in qualifying then in the race before being forced to retire. The 2018 season of the double Spanish world champion will also begin with an event in the United States, but in endurance this time, with the 24 Hours of Daytona (January 27-28).

The Woking driver will discover the discipline in racing and will evolve with it Lando Norris (pilot Williams in F1) and Phil Hanson in one of the two Ligier JS P217s from United Autosports, the team of Richard Dean and Zak Brown, also executive director of McLaren Technology Group.

« It's a real pleasure to come back to the United States, in front of American fans, says Alonso. En less than a year from now, I will have participated in two legendary races, which I am very proud of.

I always wanted to challenge myself in other motorsport categories, because This is what you need to become a better driver. Getting out of my comfort zone by participating in a race as iconic as the 24 Hours of Daytona is simply incredible.

Over the past few months, I've spent time watching several editions of the 24 Hours of Daytona, which has made me even more excited to get out there and compete. It's gonna be fun. »

The first round of theIMSA 2018 will also serve as a gallop trial for Fernando Alonso, who is aiming for a commitment to the next 24 Hours of Le Mans. Le pilote ibérique avait testé la Toyota TS050 Hybrid LM P1 lors des Rookie Tests de Bahreïn dans la foulée de la finale du WEC 2017.

The Roar Before the Rolex 24, official tests as a preamble to the Florida double clock, will begin this Friday.