Alonso: Toyota car is like a ‘rocket ship’

Editor

Fernando Alonso is bursting with praise for the Toyota LMP1 car after getting some more time behind the wheel at a pre-season test in Aragon.

Alonso is preparing for a hectic 2018 season which will – as it stands – include racing at a majority of World Endurance Championships, a first crack at the Le Mans 24 Hours and his Formula 1 commitments with McLaren.

But, in his first official comments from the test since Toyota announced him as part of their 2018/19 line-up, Alonso is not concerned about the tough schedule and said it was a "dream come true" to drive such a "special" car.

"The car is just amazing, this machine is something very special," Alonso said.

"I think the four-wheel drive, together with the boost of the hybrid system makes the acceleration feel like a rocket ship.

"You go out of the corners and you feel the compression of the seat and your eyes are very wide open. Any racing driver should feel that at least one time.

"To race in the best venues, the best circuits in the world like Le Mans with some of the best teams on the world like Toyota it is a privilege and a dream come true."

Alonso is eager to get going, but knows he needs more time with the car and needs to plan well throughout the year to stop fatigue and tiredness kicking in.

He added: "I cannot wait until June but I know that before the big event I will need to do some tests because you need to prepare and to respect that race which I’ll try to do.

"I will try to be fit, to be fully prepared, to travel efficiently and be ready."

Toyota have also released footage of Alonso in action for them.