Alonso to race at Daytona 24 Hours

Fernando Alonso will join McLaren's rising star Lando Norris and Phil Hanson in the United Autosports LMP2 team at the Daytona 24 Hours in January.

After getting a taste of the Indianapolis 500 this year, Alonso has stated he would like to continue to do other race events away from Formula 1 in 2018.

His diary now includes the Daytona 24 Hours, which is set to act as a warm-up for Le Mans as Alonso looks to continue his quest for the Triple Crown.

"The Daytona 24 Hours is the most iconic US endurance race and one of the world’s great races," said Alonso. "Everyone knows it.

"It’s not part of the Triple Crown but, as I have always said, my aim is to be a complete driver and this experience will help me in the preparation for any other endurance race I might take part in.

"Before I went to Indy, I had never driven on an oval, now I know what an oval is and how to deal with it.

"I am excited to go back and race in America. After the great time I had during the month of May for the Indy 500, I am looking forward to taking part in another legendary race that will bring back all those amazing sensations that US fans gave me.

"Also, this race happens at a convenient time, in January, when our F1 season is off and we are mainly working on our physical preparation."

United Autosports is co-owned by McLaren chief Zak Brown, who 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.

“他是最好的driv之一ers 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.”