Alonso turns rookie for endurance test with Toyota

Double Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso turned rookie for a day on Sunday when he tried out Toyota’s world endurance championship car in a test that could lead to a Le Mans 24 Hours entry next year.

The 36- year- old McLaren driver completed 113 laps of the Bahrain International Circuit in the TS050 hybrid for a total distance of 611 km.

The end- of- season test came a day after Toyota won the Six Hours of Bahrain race at the track.

“It was a great day. Testing an LMP1 ( Le Mans top tier) car is always a nice thing for any racing driver because these cars are amazing to drive,” Alonso said.

“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,” added the Spaniard.

Alonso, who will be racing in Formula One’s Abu Dhabi season- ender next weekend, posted a best time of one minute 43.013 which compared to a 1: 42.38 set by Toyota regular Mike Conway.

The Spaniard had visited Toyota’s Cologne factory in Germany on November 7 for a seat fitting and simulator session.

McLaren are partnered by Honda, Toyota’s big domestic auto industry rivals, but that relationship will terminate at the end of this season — leaving Alonso free to race for Toyota at Le Mans.