24h Le Mans
Toyota has announced some changes to its driver line-ups for the next season of the FIA World Endurance Championship. As Fernando Alonso focuses on his new activities within TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, Brendon Hartley will join the team at the Silverstone round in September.
Ahead of the upcoming Total 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has revealed some adjustments to its driver line-ups for the 2019-2020 FIA WEC season. Fernando Alonso, 2018 24 Hours winner and current leader in the championship with teammates Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima, is determined to win this new world title and defend his victory at Le Mans on 15-16 June. As the Spanish driver takes on new challenges within the Japanese team, Brendon Hartley will join its ranks.
Brendon Hartley (2017 24 Hours winner and two-time FIA WEC champion): “I know how professional and motivated this team is following my years competing against them in WEC, so I'm fired up and very happy to be joining them. I believe I am returning to WEC an even stronger driver following my experience in F1 and I look forward to getting on track and building a strong relationship with my new team.”
Alonso will take the start at the Total 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (Saturday 4 May at 13:30 local time) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans (15-16 June): “I have enjoyed being part of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in WEC, but this chapter is ending. Winning the Le Mans 24 Hours [in 2018] is one of the highlights of my career as part of my triple crown challenge (Monaco Grand Prix, 24 Hours of Le Mans and Indianapolis 500, Ed.) and I will always remember the victory we achieved together as a team last year. Now is a good time to take on new challenges and there are many interesting opportunities to explore within TOYOTA GAZOO Racing."
