WEC moves Fuji race to accommodate Alonso
- Published on 09 Feb 2018 17:41
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- By: Fergal Walsh
It has been confirmed that the 6 Hours of Fuji has been rescheduled on the 2018/19 World Endurance Championship calendar. The race has been moved forward by one week to allow Fernando Alonso to compete in the event with Toyota.
The Japanese manufacturer confirmed last month that the Spaniard was a part of its LMP1 line-up this year, as the double-world championship flexes his racing muscles. The round at Fuji had originally clashed with the US Grand Prix, however, that has since been rectified.
But the decision has taken some immediate backlash, as the rescheduled date means it will now clash with Petit Le Mans. Ford's Olivier Pla took to Twitter to voice his disgust at the FIA over their decision to allow the movement of the Fuji event.
"Many thanks FIA I can’t believe you did it... your lack of consideration and respect for the drivers who had a contract with a team in IMSA to race in NAEC the same weekend are unbelievable. I’m sure I will be not the only one to be impressed with what you did," he stated.
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Replies (6)
Login to replyajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Amazing, I didn't think they were going to do it. Alonso has some serious clout. I guess that's a lesson for Olivier Pla about who's in charge.
Bhurt
Posts: 320
Will be fantastic when he doesn't even finish the race.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Why wouldnt he?
Hepp
Posts: 200
WEC ? driver needs to only race for so long, not finish it, that's for the team's top driver to do.
Hepp
Posts: 200
I'm new to WEC and confused. Did Alonso not run an LMP2 at Daytona? And have to do the rookie qualifying ? Now he can just jump to LMP1? His F1 license lets him do that?
any and all insight, please.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Alonso drove an LMP2 in Daytona. Why can he switch around like that? They don't call F1 the pinnacle of motorsport for nothing. That F1 superlicense allows him to drive just about anything