Alonso open to full-time IMSA programme in future

Fernando Alonso is open to taking on a full-time sports car racing programme in the United States in the future, but has stressed it is not part of his short-term plans.

Two-time Formula 1 world champion Alonso made his final grand prix start in Abu Dhabi last November after opting to walk away from the series for 2019, instead choosing to enter a handful of one-off races.

Alonso will race for Wayne Taylor Racing in the IMSA season-opener, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, later this month, and has also confirmed an entry to the Indianapolis 500 alongside three FIA World Endurance Championship rounds.

The Spaniard has enjoyed his taste of IMSA thus far and would be open to a permanent programme in the future, but said he is currently happy cherry-picking events to put on his schedule.

“It definitely is not close to a possibility, maybe not in the short term,” Alonso said last week ahead of the ‘Roar Before the 24’ test, as quoted by Sportscar365.

“I have the same decision to make that I made last season for IndyCar, for the full championship or the Indy 500 only. So at the moment I am more into single events and having a little rest and time at home after so many years of racing.

“But yeah, why not, in the medium or long term. To have the full championship is a possibility as well.”

Alonso took part in his first on-track running at Daytona last weekend alongside Kamui Kobayashi, Renger van der Zande and Jordan Taylor, whom he will share duties in the #10 Cadillac DPi-V.R in the 24-hour race at the end of January.

Fernando Alonso’s 2018 Confirmed Racing Schedule

IMSA Rolex 24 at Daytona – January 26-27
WEC 1000 Miles of Sebring – March 15
WEC 6 Hours of Spa – May 4
Indianapolis 500 – May 26
24 Hours of Le Mans – June 15-16