Alonso for Daytona race ahead of ‘Triple Crown’ bid

– Former Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso will fill in another gap on his motor-racing CV on today when he takes part in the 24 Hours of Daytona, giving him vital experience for a possible future crack at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

After trying his luck at last year’s Indianapolis 500, the Spaniard, 38, will take a spin around another iconic US venue at Daytona International Speedway, best known for hosting Nascar’s Daytona 500.

Alonso’s participation is part of the McLaren driver’s broader quest to complete the “Triple Crown” of motor-racing – wins at the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, the Indy500 and Le Mans.

Only one other driver – Graham Hill – has achieved that hat-trick. Alonso has two wins in Monaco, and impressed at the Indy500 on his debut last year.

This weekend he will be racing a prototype Ligier JS P217 for the United Autosports team, which is owned by his F1 boss Zak Brown. Team-mates will include Phil Hanson and Lando Norris, a long-time reserve driver at McLaren.

Alonso meanwhile is looking forward to being pushed out of his comfort zone in the gruelling day-night race.

Alonso served notice of his ability to adapt to new environments at Indianapolis last year, when he confounded sceptics by leading for 27 laps before withdrawing 20 laps from the finish due to engine failure.

The Spaniard got his first taste of endurance racing last year in Bahrain, when he took part in tests for Toyota.

He told reporters this week he remains optimistic about racing in Le Mans.

McLaren have indicated Alonso can race at Circuit de la Sarthe on June 16 and 17 should he wish to do so as it does not clash with his F1 commitments. – AFP