F1 drivers will follow Alonso's lead - Todt

FIA president Jean Todt has admitted that he expects many more drivers to follow the lead of Fernando Alonso and venture into more motorsport disciplines as well as competing in Formula One, and believes it is good for the sport if all the drivers are motivated by competition.

Alonso has not hidden his desire to claim motorsport's 'Triple Crown' which includes victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500, and the Le Mans 24 Hours race. He made his debut in the World Endurance Championship last weekend with Toyota and won in his first outing.

Todt has hailed the bravery of some drivers to go out of their comfort zone, and mentioned Kimi Raikkonen as an example, with the Finn trying rallying competition previously.

“I think all those drivers who are competing are all passionate,” he said.

“Whether they’re a star, whether they’re driving in Formula 1, whatever, I think it’s great. I felt it was very brave of Kimi [Raikkonen] when he went into rallying. So I think it’s very good to have that.”

In the sixties and seventies it was commonplace for drivers to compete in various disciplines over multiple competitions, but in the eighties and nineties F1 became the main, and only, priority for the major competitors. Todt believes the days of crossing over will return.

“I think it will come back,” Todt continued.

“Alonso last year did also participate [in] another kind of racing. You have some drivers who went into Formula E. I think it’s very healthy to have those opportunities for drivers.”

Alonso's decision to compete on multiple fronts this season as been met with some concern that he may be taking on too much, but Todt thinks it is important to keep drivers motivated by competition.

“If you want to have a driver [who is] very competitive and very happy you must try to make sure that he is in the most friendly surroundings. So he must be happy.”