Toyota President Akio Toyoda has lauded Fernando Alonso’s decision to compete for the team in the 2018/19 World Endurance Championship, and believes his presence will boost the squad.
It was confirmed on Tuesday that Alonso will link up with Toyota and pilot the No 8 car, along with Sebastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima, in this season’s championship.
Alonso will miss Toyota’s home round at Fuji, due to his required participation at Formula 1’s United States Grand Prix, but will compete in each other event.
Toyoda welcomed Alonso to the operation, as both the Spaniard and team eye success at Le Mans.
“To Fernando Alonso, I say thank you so much for choosing Toyota as a partner for making your Le Mans dream come true,” said Toyoda.
“I am extremely thrilled that Fernando, who has battled it out in numerous races and seen things that nobody on our team has ever experienced, will be driving for Toyota.
“I believe that having Fernando get behind the wheel for our team will only make our cars better.
“I am looking forward to seeing how much Toyota will grow when our drivers and all team members take what they have learned thus far in endurance racing and add to it what they will gain from Fernando's experience.
“The entire team is excited about this opportunity for growth.
“Through the challenge of WEC endurance races and, among those, on the gruelling roads of the Le Mans 24 Hours, Toyota will do its best, together with Fernando, to outdrive the competition.
“And, toward our ultimate aim of providing our customers with ever-better cars, I hope we will be able to race with shared aspirations at heart.”
