Hulkenberg: Alonso has taken on a huge challenge with WEC entry

  • Published on 25 Feb 2018 13:59
  • comments 2
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Nico Hulkenberg believes that Fernando Alonso has taken on a huge challenge for 2018. Alonso will compete in the 21 rounds of the 2018 F1 season, as well as race in the World Endurance Championship with Toyota.

Alonso has stated his desire to win the Triple Crown of Motorsport, with this year his focus being the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Last year, the Spaniard took part in the gruelling Indianapolis 500 race, but retired towards the end of the race with an engine issue. 

Hulkenberg took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2015, and won the race with Earl Bamber and Nick Tandy for Porsche. However, Hulkenberg admits he wouldn't be able to take on two high profile racing series full-time.

"I prefer to focus on one thing but he is in a different position in his career and his life," Hulkenberg said. "He is a multiple world champion and is looking for fresh challenges, maybe he has different priorities, I don’t know.

"For him it is slightly different as he is doing the whole season whereas I did two events and testing and that was only in period of six months. At the time, it was quite demanding as it was a lot of extra traveling, a lot of extra time that you don’t have to think about F1. I think it is quite a challenge he has taken on for himself."

 

Fergal Walsh

Replies (2)

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  • I think what Alonso is doing is simply focusing on being a racing driver. This was not as uncommon in the past, because drivers were hustlers, not just highly paid celebrities that expect to be playing in between race. I'm not criticizing that lifestyle, just pointing out that fact. Alonso doesn't have a wife or kids either, so the travel doesn't affect him as much.

    • + 0
    • Feb 25 2018 - 22:56
  • Barron

    Posts: 625

    Alonso knows he’s running out of time physically and mentally. He also knows that realistically, he’s blown his chance of another F1 championship unless a miracle happens. It’s just his way of trying to fulfill his undoubted talents while he has time and I admire him for it. I’ve come to an age and state of health that means I cannot any longer realise my many dreams, and I now wish I’d pushed harder when I was younger. (We all think we’re going to live forever). I’m not particularly a fan of Alonso the person, but as a driver, I think he is among the best of the best..

    • + 0
    • Feb 26 2018 - 15:44

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