Alonso, Johnson ride swap set for Bahrain

"Jimmie ... I told you not to call me at work, man."

For months, Fernando Alonso and Jimmie Johnson have teased the racing world on social media.

Now we have an answer as to what's happening:

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The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and two-time Formula 1 champion will take to Bahrain International Circuit on Nov. 26, the day after the F1 season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Abu Dhabi will be Alonso’s final race in Formula 1 after he announced his retirement from the category earlier this year, and as yet he is only confirmed as taking part in the rest of the World Endurance Championship Super Season with Toyota in 2019.

Following a number of teaser videos between the two drivers, McLaren has confirmed the two champions will swap cars. Johnson will get his first taste of Formula 1 machinery just eight days after the final round of this year’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at Homestead, while it will also mark the first time Alonso has driven a NASCAR following IndyCar tests and his Indy 500 appearance in 2017.

RACER understands one of Hendrick Motorsport’s No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s raced by Johnson this year was dispatched for Bahrain last month ahead of the test.

This is not the first time McLaren has been involved with a NASCAR swap, as Lewis Hamilton carried out a car swap with Tony Stewart at Watkins Glen back in 2011.

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Topics

fernando alonso

jimmie johnson

NASCAR

Cup Series

Formula 1

Chris Medland

While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.

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