Alonso replaced by Hartley in Toyota WEC set-up

Toyota Gazoo Racing have confirmed that Fernando Alonso will step aside from the team's World Endurance Championship team after this year's Le Mans 24 Hours, with two-time WEC champion Brendon Hartley, most recently an F1 driver with Toro Rosso, replacing him.

Alonso sought a WEC drive with Toyota in his attempts to win Le Mans as he looks to secure motorsport's 'Triple Crown'.

The two-time world champion will tackle the Indianapolis 500 with McLaren this year in his attempts to match Graham Hill's unique feat, but his contributions to Toyota are not yet finished.

Alonso tested a Toyota Hilux Dakar car earlier this year and has been linked with a future switch to the desert race as he looks to add a diverse collection of trophies to his haul.

He said: "I have enjoyed being part of Toyota Gazoo Racing in WEC but this chapter is ending.

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Let’s go for more . New challenge. ✊️ #toyotagazooracing

A post shared by Fernando Alonso (@fernandoalo_oficial) on May 1, 2019 at 1:23am PDT

"Winning Le Mans is one of the highlights of my career as part of my Triple Crown challenge and I will always remember that victory which 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.

"We still have two important races remaining as we are still in the fight to become WEC World Champions and I will be pushing hard to win both of them."

Toyota have dominated WEC this season, and Hartley is excited to join the series' top outfit.

"I know how professional and motivated this team is following my years competing against them in WEC, so I am fired up and am very happy to be joining them," he said.

"I believe I am returning to WEC an even stronger driver following my experience in Formula 1 and I look forward to getting on track and building a strong relationship with my new team."

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