Fernando Alonso made over 110 laps during Sunday’s WEC rookie test with Toyota. The session took place after the last race of the 2017 season. The two-time Formula 1 world champion was very pleased with his work.
“It was a great day. Testing an LMP1 car is always a nice thing for any racing driver because these cars are amazing to drive. They are very consistent throughout a stint which is a positive thing. I have wanted to test a car like this for a long time now and today I could achieve that so I am happy”, Alonso said.
Regular TS050 HYBRID drivers Mike Conway and Sébastien Buemi participated in the test, accompanied by Alonso and rising endurance star Thomas Laurent. The rookie test represented the perfect opportunity for Fernando, who is interested in Le Mans as well as endurance racing in general, to drive a state-of-the-art hybrid LMP1 car. He completed a total of 113 laps in the #8 TS050 HYBRID, a total of 611km.
Fernando Alonso made over 110 laps during Sunday’s WEC rookie test with Toyota. The session took place after the last race of the 2017 season
In 2017 Alonso took part in the Indianapolis 500. Recently the United Autosports team announced that he will participate in the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Thomas, 19, joined the test as a reward for his impressive performances in LMP2 this season, which included a second-place finish at the Le Mans 24 Hours. He completed 31 laps in the#7 TS050 HYBRID in the morning session.
“I really enjoyed it today. It was my first time in an LMP1 car and it is the best car I have driven in my career. The downforce, the hybrid boost, the braking; it was all very impressive. I would love to drive a car like this again. Big thanks to Toyota. The team welcomed me really well. All the mechanics, engineers and management were very friendly, which I really appreciate”, Laurent commented.
#F1 star and self-confessed sportscar racing fan, @alo_oficial makes his LMP1 debut alongside @Sebastien_buemi in #8 @Toyota_Hybrid TS050 HYBRID. #WEC pic.twitter.com/O4ER4i8vKt
— FIA WEC (@FIAWEC) November 19, 2017
