Fernando Alonso has McLaren’s blessing to race for Toyota at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2018 if approached, RACER understands.

The Spaniard has already been confirmed as racing for United Autosports in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January, with Alonso seeing his sportscar debut as the perfect opportunity to prepare for a future Le Mans attempt as part of his goal of winning motorsport’s famed Triple Crown. It is understood the double F1 world champion underwent a seat fitting at Toyota’s factory ahead of a possible first test in Bahrain.

The final round of the WEC season takes place in Bahrain on the weekend of November 16-18, with a test being held at the Sakhir circuit on November 19.

Following Porsche’s announcement that it will withdraw from the World Endurance Championship at the end of the season, Toyota’s participation was in doubt for a spell but the Japanese manufacturer is expected to commit to the 2018/19 “Super Season”, which leaves it as the only factory LMP1 outfit on the grid next year at this stage.