HARTLEY TAKES PLACE OF ALONSO
Brendon Hartley takes place of Fernando Alonso at Toyota – Photo: LAT
Kiwi Brendon Hartley will take over Fernando Alonso’s position at Toyota Gazoo Racing for the 2019/2020 World Endurance Championship Super Season.
Alonso will remain with Toyota as he seeks to pursue new racing challenges with the Japanese brand at the conclusion of this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, a race in which the Spaniard is trying to defend alongside teammates Sebastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima.
“I have enjoyed being part of Toyota Gazoo Racing in WEC but this chapter is ending,” Alonso said. “Now is a good time to take on new challenges and there are many interesting opportunities to explore within Toyota Gazoo Racing.
“We still have two important races remaining as we are still in the fight to become WEC World Champions and I will be pushing hard to win both of them.”
Hartley a two-time WEC Champion and a previous Le Mans winner will step back into Hybrid LMP1 machinery after driving in the Porsche LMP1 program successfully for four years. The former Toro Rosso Formula One driver will join the experienced existing team of Buemi and Nakajima.
“A big thanks to Toyota Gazoo Racing for giving me this opportunity. I know how professional and motivated this team is following my years competing against them in WEC, so I am fired up and am very happy to be joining them” Hartley said.
“I believe I am returning to WEC an even stronger driver following my experience in Formula 1 and I look forward to getting on track and building a strong relationship with my new team. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the TS050 HYBRID; the first tests can’t come soon enough.”
Alonso’s final WEC race with the team on the famous French circuit will be on June 15-16, while Hartley takes over racing duties on September 1.
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