Alonso's year of WEC milestones
It’s been almost a year since Fernando Alonso made his public FIA WEC debut at Spa-Francorchamps with the Toyota Gazoo Racing squad.
Three victories, including the coveted 24 Hours of Le Mans, four pole positions and countless ‘wow moments’ later, and the motorsport world has been left in no doubt that the Spaniard is one of the greatest and most versatile racing drivers on the planet.
Alonso’s success has required little luck because the 37-year-old has been dedicated to pursuing endurance perfection. Indeed, his achievements have been the result of hard work, preparation and motivation.
“He brings enormous professionalism and a desire to succeed in every lap of every race,” explained Toyota Gazoo Racing’s team manager, John Steeghs.
“What is instantly noticeable is the drive from within himself. The other guys in our team have the same spirit and I think for Fernando he knew after his first test with us that this was going to be both a great challenge and also great fun.”
Steeghs struggles to identify one specific highlight but instead puts into perspective what Alonso has achieved since moving to WEC.
“Some of his laps and stints have been exceptional when you consider that he had never driven these cars and never competed in anything other than F1 for the last 15 years or so,” explained Steeghs.
“But you have to also remember that we have top, top performers in Seb [Buemi] and Kazuki [Nakajima]. Their input in working together with Fernando should never be underestimated.”
Following Steeghs' comments, Alonso then went on to set a fastest ever lap of the Sebring track last week and was also instrumental in the trio’s third win of the Super Season.
Alonso will arrive at Spa in just over four weeks’ time, along with his No.8 Toyota TS 050 hybrid team-mates Sebastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima. The trio enjoy a 15-point advantage in the fight for the 2018-2019 LMP Drivers’ Championship.
