Alonso confirms Rolex 24 Hours entry

Fernando Alonso says his deal to drive for United Autosports in the Rolex 24 at Daytona will help prepare him for future endurance races such as Le Mans.

"What an exciting and interesting project," Alonso said. "Learning about a completely new racing category, adapting to a different car and to another style of driving and everything that goes with it, is a new challenge for me and I can't wait to test myself again as a driver.

"The Daytona 24 Hours is the most iconic U.S. endurance race and one of the world's great races. Everyone knows it. It's not part of the Triple Crown but, as I have always said, my aim is to be a complete driver and this experience will help me in the preparation for any other endurance race I might take part in. Before I went to Indy, I had never driven on an oval, now I know what an oval is and how to deal with it."

Alonso also says the lure of racing in the U.S. again was too good to turn down after receiving such a positive reception to his Indy 500 attempt.

"I am excited to go back and race in America. After the great time I had during the month of May for the Indy 500, I am looking forward to taking part in another legendary race that will bring back all those amazing sensations that US fans gave me.

"Also, this race happens at a convenient time, in January, when our F1 season is off and we are mainly working on our physical preparation. It will be good to get behind a wheel again! Thanks to United Autosports for having offered me this opportunity and thanks to McLaren for supporting me in this new exciting adventure."

While he doesn't currently have a deal for Le Mans, RACER understands McLaren would not stand in Alonso's way if Toyota approaches him to drive for the team in the 2018 race.