Alonso: “Do something that has never been done before”

How do you analyze your race?

I am very proud of the work we accomplished today. Well, rather this month! As early as December, I received documents to learn more about the Cadillac and Wayne Taylor Racing, and the procedures that may differ from other teams. Kamui and I tried to integrate quickly and learn as much as we could from the team during the Roar. Regarding the race, it was hard, very hard. Conditions were very changeable. We drove with cooler temperatures than before, so we decided to anticipate this in the set-up before the start. We had a road plan and we followed it to the letter. I'm really proud of the team. Thank you everyone because we were very competitive during the race.

Exactly one week ago… #daytona24 pic.twitter.com/qpmBnNWZRD

— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) 3th February 2019

Should the race have been stopped earlier?

I said several times on the radio, when I was second, that it would be necessary to bring in the safety car. The last 5 or 7 laps were not good for anyone as the visibility was so poor. We couldn't go all out on the straights, there was debris everywhere... Then Felipe (Nasr. Editor's note) veered wide at the first corner, we took the lead. We led 90% of the race, so it would have been unfair if we didn't have a chance to fight for victory.

Was the final handover between you and Jordan planned?

Yes. My second stint I did just when it started to rain, so I knew the conditions, I knew where there was standing water, but I couldn't have driven all the way to the end. Another driver should have taken the wheel and Jordan has the required experience, so the team decided to give the last two stints to Jordan and me.

You're aiming for the triple crown. So what does this race mean to you?

I put it pretty high in my ranking. Daytona is one of those tracks you want to triumph at one day in your career. My career in Endurance is still nascent, she is only a year and a half old, but I am lucky to have already won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona.

Would you have preferred to impose yourself differently?

No, this way it's perfect. The first stints in the dry were good. We were 9th and recovered places, took the lead, we built a lead, twice, of around 30", then the safety car entered the track. Whether we crossed the finish line or not, the #10 dominated the whole race and so I'm happy either way.

Are there any other races not part of the Triple Crown that appeal to you?

No, but if I win, that's the quadruple crown, right? From now on, I'm focusing on Indy 500. But yes, I'm thinking about trying other disciplines, not just on the circuit. I first need to make sure that I can perform well there. I won't go if that's not the case and if I don't have a chance of winning. And like I said, the idea is to do something that has never been done before (Fernando Alonso is expected to test a Toyota Hilux rally raid)