Official: Alonso will leave endurance racing after the 24 Hours of Le Mans

In 2018, Fernando Alonso joined Toyota in the Endurance Championship with the firm intention of winning the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Having accomplished his mission since last June, the Spaniard no longer had any real reason to remain in this discipline. That is why he announced today that he is leaving Toyota Gazoo Racing and endurance racing by extension.

The world champion will stay until the end of this 2018-2019 season, which will take place during the event in Sarthe. But he already has his sights set on America and the Indianapolis 500. If Alonso were to win the legendary race, he would become only the second driver in the world to achieve the triple crown after Graham Hill in the 60s.

To justify himself, Fernando Alonso spoke about his decision to leave Toyota: « I have enjoyed being part of Toyota Gazoo Racing in WEC, but this chapter is ending. Winning Le Mans is one of the highlights of my career as part of my challenge to achieve the triple crown: I will always remember this victory we achieved together as a team last year. Now is the right time to take on new challenges and there are many exciting opportunities to explore within Toyota Gazoo Racing. »

In addition to Indycar, Alonso could sign with the Japanese manufacturer to participate in the next Paris-Dakar in rally raid.

The former Formula 1 driver will be replaced by another former competitor from the top category of motorsport. Indeed, it is New Zealander Brendon Hartley who will have the responsibility to succeed Alonso. Already a WEC champion in 2014 and 2017 with Porsche, the former Scuderia Toro Rosso member has all the assets to succeed!

Let’s go for more. New challenge. ✊️ #toyotagazooracing https://t.co/72DdLoCmaQ

— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) May 1, 2019