Following the announcement last week that Fernando Alonso had agreed a new partnership agreement with McLaren, speculation began immediately over other series that he would take part in.
Alonso signed his new ‘long-term partnership’ agreement with McLaren after they opted to sever ties with Japanese engine manufacturer Honda and take Renault power from 2018.
This should, in theory, see McLaren take a huge leap forward for next year and could be ready to immediately challenge Red Bull Racing for podiums and potential race victories against Mercedes and Ferrari.
But Alonso has also been kept happy by an agreement to allow him to explore other opportunities within motorsport.
Earlier this year Alonso competed in the Indianapolis 500 and made comments about his desire to compete in the Le Mans 24 Hour Race.
There was already talk in the paddock that Alonso could prepare for that possibility in the future by racing at Daytona and that has now been confirmed.
?To spend time in a prototype and get experience in traffic, in night racing, that is very useful for the future if I enter different races like that.
?But my full concentration is to do well in Daytona like I did in Indianapolis and when I close the visor I will go for a win and that is what matters now.
?I?m sure it?s going to be different ? different ways of driving and different times of the day ? sunset, night, day ? and in traffic. Different tires as well, with different characteristics. To share the car with my teammates is part of the fun, and one of the things you have to learn.
?Again it?s getting out of my comfort zone and trying something new for the first time. I?ll be learning something from the very first moment. It?s great for me as a driver and part of the construction of the challenge.? Alonso told motorsport.com.
Alonso will be competing in the 24 Hours at Daytona race with United Autosports, a team owned by McLaren CEO Zak Brown.
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