Alonso prioritising Le Mans over F1

Fernando Alonso says he is prioritising success in the Le Mans 24 Hours over his Formula 1 campaign with McLaren in 2018. Two-time F1 champion Alonso has made no secret of his desire to secure motorsport's 'Triple Crown', with a season in the World Endurance Championship giving him two chances to take out Le Mans.

With a pair of Monaco Grand Prix victories under his belt, Alonso is a third of the way towards the 'Triple Crown'. Only Graham Hill has won all thee races - Le Mans, Monaco and the Indianapolis 500.

Alonso skipped the Monaco GP last year to compete in the Indy 500, impressing hugely until Honda engine failure ended his race in familiar circumstances over recent years.

Although ditching Honda for Renault power units has helped McLaren compete this year, with Alonso one of three drivers to score points in all four races this year, the veteran says Le Mans takes precedence.

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"My priority is to live the Le Mans experience. A huge race," the Spaniard told Le Soir.

"I don't think I can save my F1 season but I have this opportunity to take part in Le Mans and I don't intend on wasting my chance."

Alonso put in the fastest lap in his first WEC practice session on Thursday in preparation for the Spa Six Hours.

Although a seat in the Toyota LMP1 car gives Alonso a great chance of victory, he says he is still learning the ropes.

"In Formula 1 you go flat out on everything," he explained. "But here it is often the opposite, for example on braking."