24 Hours of Le Mans – Alonso: “I’m still in shock”

It was an appointment not to be lost for Toyota Gazoo Racing and the Japanese manufacturer responded to expectations by signing the double at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the victory of the TS050 Hybrid n°8 on which Fernando Alonso, Sébastien Buemi et Kazuki Nakajima achieved their first success in Sarthe.

Fernando Alonso was successful by winning from his first start on the double clock tower in Sarthe, as did his opponent Nico Hulkenberg in 2015. The Asturian now only has to win the Indy 500 to obtain the “Triple Crown” that he covets (victory at the Monaco GP, 24h of Le Mans and at the Indy 500).

" I am still shocked. This race was very stressful and the last few hours were quite intense. We will finally be able to breathe, confided Fernando Alonso at a press conference. I felt good in the night relays. I was able to get into a good rhythm. The conditions suited my riding style well. »

It is also a success for Sébastien Buemi who has been aiming for success in Sarthe with Toyota since 2012 and who saw victory escape him on the last lap during the 84th edition contested two years ago.

“We can finally turn the page on 2016. We thought about it for days and nights and it’s great to finally achieve this goal”, declared the reigning champion of the Formula e.

Kazuki Nakajima fully shared this feeling, having seen the Toyota give up the ghost on the last lap in 2016 when he thought he had won the race. This time the Japanese was able to reach the finish line as the winner.

“We probably had more success this time. I have been calmer than two years ago. Generally speaking, the whole team was able to resist the pressure”, explained the Japanese.

The joy was obviously not so intense among the crew of the TS050 Hybrid n°7 even if the trio composed of Kobayashi-Conway-Lopez had the satisfaction of giving Toyota a double.

“We wanted to win but we understood at a certain point that it was no longer within our reach. We kept our pace to keep a chance. I am satisfied with this second place because we finished just behind our teammates”, assured Kamui Kobayashi.

“We had a great internal struggle. The other car was simply faster. I am satisfied with this second place and I am proud of my teammates”, added José-Maria Lopez.

Discover the analysis of the 24 Hours of Le Mans carried out by our special correspondents in issue 2170 of AUTOheddo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from this Wednesday on newsstands.