Fernando Alonso will compete in the 2018 Daytona 24 Hours in January, teaming up with European F3 champion Lando Norris and Phil Hanson behind the wheel of Ligier LMP2 car run by United Autosports, owned by McLaren Executive Director Zak Brown.
The news was widely expected after rumblings of an entry began last weekend in Austin when it was confirmed the Spaniard would be staying with McLaren for at least one more year.
It is thought the Daytona appearance could be a precursor to a run at the Le Mans 24 Hours, another leg of the Triple Crown, and commenting on his announcement, the double F1 champion is keen to gain experience of yet another type of racing.
“What an exciting and interesting project,” Alonso said. “Learning about a completely new racing category, adapting to a different car and to another style of driving and everything that goes with it, is a new challenge for me and I can’t wait to test myself again as a driver.
“The Daytona 24 Hours is the most iconic U.S. endurance race and one of the world’s great races. Everyone knows it.”
This latest foray away from F1 comes after a highly successful attempt at America’s most famous motor race, the Indy 500, in May this year and was noticeable for the large addition attention is brought to the oval race.
Commenting on having the Alonso attraction now heading to Florida, IMSA President Scott Atherton hoped his presence would have a similar on the race at Daytona.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Fernando Alonso to IMSA competition in the Rolex 24 At Daytona,” he said. “It’s not possible to overstate the significance of this news. There is no question that with his F1 experience and how competitive he was at the Indianapolis 500, he will be an immediate contender for the Rolex 24 victory.
“We are especially grateful to Zak Brown and the United Autosports team for creating this fantastic opportunity for our sport’s biggest race. The Rolex 24 has had its share of racing legends compete – and win – over the years, and it will be fascinating for fans here and around the world to watch Fernando and the team pursue this highly coveted prize in January.”
Brown himself added: “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. 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.”
Alonso won’t be the only current F1 personality racing with current reserve and 2018 Williams hopeful Paul di Resta also teaming with United Autosports in their second car entry.
