Alonso Interested in Expanded WEC Campaign

Fernando Alonso has admitted that he would ‘probably love’ an expanded schedule in the FIA World Endurance Championship beyond the 24 Hours of Le Mans, should the opportunity present itself.

The two-time Formula One world champion turned his first laps in Toyota’s TS050 Hybrid in last weekend’s Bahrain Rookie Test, as a likely precursor to his 24 Hours of Le Mans debut with the Japanese manufacturer next year.

While Toyota has yet to confirm its driver lineup for the 2018/19 ‘Super Season’, numerous reports have linked the Spaniard to Le Mans, and potentially additional WEC races.

When asked by Crash.net whether he’d be interested in an additional WEC races, Alonso stayed coy, saying he “didn’t think about that” before being pressed on the matter.

“I need to digest that… I need to see the calendar properly,” he said.

“It could be nice. Probably. I would love it.”

McLaren racing director Eric Boullier acknowledged Alonso’s desire to race, although admitted there’s only three additional races besides Le Mans that he could take part in 2018.

The rounds at Spa, Silverstone and Shanghai are free weekends, with the Six Hours of Fuji clashing with the U.S. Grand Prix.

“First of all, there is a clash like you say, so he can’t do the full season,” Boullier said. “And with the ‘super season’, there is only actually I think three races you could do plus Le Mans.

“Obviously we all know Fernando likes to race every weekend. There is not enough with 52 weekends per year.

“We know that he wants to do Le Mans one day. So far there have been no official requests. We’ve not been asked. So I cannot comment on rumors.”

Toyota technical director Pascal Vasselon told Sportscar365 last weekend that he expects to announce their driver lineup in January, but would not be drawn on any specific rumors linking Alonso to a seat.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John