Alonso Open to Full-Season IMSA Program

Fernando Alonso says he would consider racing full-time in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in the future.

While the two-time Formula 1 world champion and Toyota LMP1 driver ruled out any immediate plans to compete regularly in the series, he suggested he would be open to the prospect at some point.

Alonso is set to turn his first laps in the No. 10 Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac DPi-V.R this weekend at the Roar Before the Rolex 24, sharing seat time with co-drivers Jordan Taylor, Renger van der Zande and Kamui Kobayashi.

“It definitely is not close to a possibility, maybe not in the short term,” said Alonso during Thursday’s media day at Daytona International Speedway.

“I have the same decision to make that I made last season for IndyCar, for the full championship or the Indy 500 only, so at the moment I am more into single events and having a little rest and time at home after so many years of racing.

“But yeah, why not, in the medium or long term. To have the full championship is a possibility as well.”

Alonso made his IMSA debut in last year’s Rolex 24, driving a United Autosports Ligier JS P217 Gibson with fellow race rookies Phil Hanson and Lando Norris.

The Spaniard, who went on to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans and lead the FIA World Endurance Championship with Toyota during his final year of Formula 1, said he felt better organized ahead of his second Daytona appearance.

“It’s going to be a different experience,” he said.

“Last year was the first endurance race of my life. I think with the experience of 2018 we will get more prepared for this race.

“Obviously, the team is very experienced and competitive around here, so I’m extremely happy.

“[I am] very proud to wear these colors and work for Cadillac for the first time. Hopefully, we can be competitive, have fun and put on a big show for everyone.”