McLaren Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso has conceded he faces a “steep learning curve” as he prepares to compete in the World Endurance Championship’s Super Season with Toyota.
Alonso’s full programme in 2018 will be in Formula 1 with McLaren, but the outfit has granted him permission to race in the WEC, as he continues his pursuit of motorsport’s Triple Crown.
Alonso, who is set to skip Toyota’s home event at Fuji due to its clash with the United States Grand Prix, has started only one endurance race in his career – last weekend’s Daytona 24 Hours.
As a result, Alonso is braced for a rapid learning trajectory as he gets set to pilot Toyota’s TS050 HYBRID, alongside Sebastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima.
“I am very excited to participate in the Le Mans 24 Hours for the first time,” he said.
“It is a race which I have followed closely for a long time and it has always been an ambition of mine to participate.
“Endurance racing is a different discipline compared to single-seaters and I enjoyed my first taste of it at Daytona.
“I am looking forward to working together with, and learning from, Sébastien and Kazuki, who are both very experienced endurance drivers.
“It will be a steep learning curve for me but I am ready for this challenge and I can't wait to get started.”
Alonso is set to be absent from the WEC’s Prologue due to its calendar clash with the Bahrain Grand Prix, with Alonso’s Formula 1 commitments taking priority.
The first round of the WEC’s Super Season takes place at Spa-Francorchamps on May 5.
