Fernando Alonso was a high profile addition to the starting grid at the 6-Hours of Spa, the season-opening round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), winning in his debut with Toyota Gazoo Racing alongside co-drivers Sebastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima, both former Formula 1 drivers.
After the race, Alonso said, "This was like a warm-up for Le Mans, a preparation, a test with points. We wanted to see ourselves in a real race situation with other teams, drivers and stressed mechanics. We made it a one-two, so I'm ready for Le Mans."
"Many challenges can emerge during a 24-hours race, but we are as prepared as possible so we go there with confidence."
Of the victory on his first attempt the Spaniard said, "Definitely, I am delighted with the result. The whole weekend has been amazing in terms of team performance, a one-two in qualy, a one-two in the race."
"There’s been a lot of preparation for this project with winter testing, with simulator work, with a lot of people in the factory building these two cars. Then you have to come to the races and deliver the results.
"I think we executed the race in the best way we could, and I'm extremely happy to win my first endurance race. Seb and Kazuki I think did an amazing job, made my life a little bit easier, and thanks to everyone in the team.”
Alonso, who has never won the Belgian Grand Prix, was reminded that he had not stood on the top step of the podium since he won his home race in 2013 and added, "Well ... I won in go-kart a couple of races, but certainly in an FIA championship a few years ago with Ferrari, so it's great to be back on the podium with Kazuki and Sebastian."
As for the difference between WEC and F1, Alonso explained, "It's definitely a challenge, preparation, concentration throughout the race, always at the top of your abilities and be ready for any change that suddenly arises in the race."
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