Alonso poised to go 'outside comfort zone' at Daytona

Fernando Alonso has claimed that he is always looking to challenge himself in various motorsport disciplines as he prepares to go 'outside his comfort zone' by competing in the Daytona 24 Hours race at the end of January for McLaren Formula One boss Zak Brown's United Autosports team.

This week, Alonso will drive for the first time on the Daytona Circuit as he continues to prepare for the race proper across January 27th and 28th.

He will be testing out his United Autosports Ligier JSP217 this week in what will be his first participation in a sports car race, but it is the second visit in a year to the United States for Alonso outside Formula One as he competed in the 2017 Indianapolis 500 race.

Alonso has claimed he is looking forward to competing in front of the American fans again, even if the race will be 'outside his comfort zone'.

"It's a true pleasure to go back racing in the States, in front of the US fans," Alonso said.

"In less than a year, I will have competed in two legendary races, which makes me very proud.

"I have always wanted to challenge myself in other categories of motorsport, as this is what you need to become a better driver. Going out of my comfort zone by taking part in such an iconic race as the Daytona 24 Hours is just amazing."

Another aspect of the race which will be alien to Alonso is the fact he will be sharing a car for the first time in his racing career, with Lando Norris and Phil Hanson also set to go behind the wheel, but the Spaniard doesn't foresee this being an issue.

"At the test we had in Spain in November, everyone made me feel extremely welcome and part of the family and I'm happy to be spending more time with the team and my team-mates in a few days, at the ROAR [ROAR test race].

"I just cannot wait to jump in the car again and drive on the famous oval. In the last couple of months I have been spending time watching several Daytona 24 Hours, which made me even keener to go out there and try myself. It's going to be fun!"