FERNANDO ALONSO TO RACE DAYTONA 24 HOUR

Fernando Alonso to race in the Daytona 24 – Photo: LAT

Fernando Alonso will join Zak Brown’s United Autosport LMP2 team for the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January 2018.

The McLaren Formula 1 driver will join McLaren Junior driver Lando Norris and Phil Hanson behind the wheel of one of the teams Ligier JS P217 prototypes for the opening IMSA race of the season.

Fellow Formula 1 driver Paul di Resta will also make his Daytona 24 Hour debut for United Autosport alongside Will Owen in the second car, while the third driver is yet to be announced.

Alonso, who made his Indianapolis 500 debut this year, has made it well know his interest in competing in long distance endurance races including the Le Mans 24 Hours, with the run Daytona seen a precursor to that.

“The Daytona 24 Hours is the most iconic US endurance race and one of the world’s great races, everyone knows it.” said Alonso

“It’s not part of the Triple Crown but, as I have always said, my aim is to be a complete driver and this experience will help me in the preparation for any other endurance race I might take part in.

“Before I went to Indy, I had never driven on an oval, now I know what an oval is and how to deal with it.

“I am excited to go back and race in America. After the great time I had during the month of May for the Indy 500, I am looking forward to taking part in another legendary race that will bring back all those amazing sensations that US fans gave me.

“Also, this race happens at a convenient time, in January, when our F1 season is off and we are mainly working on our physical preparation.”

Zak Brown and Fernando Alonso – Photo: LAT

The deal was facilitated by Zak Brown, who is both the CEO of McLaren and part owner of United Autosports.

I’m thrilled we have managed to put a deal together to get Fernando in the car at Daytona. Although he hasn’t driven an LMP2 car before I’m confident he will pick it up quickly.” said Brown.

“He’s one of the best drivers around so it will be great to have him as part of the team, not only for his speed, but for his experience and the invaluable knowledge he will pass onto Phil and Lando.”

The “Roar before the 24” on the 5th-7th of January will give Alonso his first chance to sample the LMP2 Ligier three weeks before the race.

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