Oh Fernando

[Bonio]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/41947568

BBC now reporting that Alonso is almost certain to race at Le Mans next year for Toyota, also that he may race in most of the WEC season for 2018. I feel he wants that Triple Crown.

Norris in that spare McLaren seat then or will he be able to contest both championships with apparently only one clash?

[Landy_Jon]

Is Toyota a good choice with the new rules and teams?


I know we were gutted that an LMP2 didn't take the top spot last years (even though they took 2 &3 on podium).  It ain't certain Fernando:

with apologies to Abba fans:

They were closer now Fernando
Every hour, every minute seemed to last eternally
I was so afraid Fernando
We were young and full of life and none of us prepared to die
And I'm not ashamed to say
The (almost) roar of the honda made me cry

There was something in the air that night
The stars were bright, Fernando
They were shining there for you and me
for Liberty, Fernando
Though we never thought that we could lose
There's no regret
If I had to do the same again
I will, for money, Fernando

[Kristof]

Is Toyota a good choice with the new rules and teams?

Doesn't necessarily have to be Toyota.  What if United Autosports decides to run a Ginetta in LMP1 next year ?
If it's Toyota, Lopez will probably lose his seat.  He didn't really impress this season, cost them a victory (Shanghai) and podium finish (Silverstone) and the chance for the Manufacturers title.

Rumours are that Alonso will be at LM next season, and is eager to do more races (could do the whole season except Fuji), but that's been downplayed by McLaren this weekend who want him to focus on F1 instead of 2 championships.  Toyota said they won't decide about running in the WEC next season until december, if Alonso turns up in Bahrain that announcement might come sooner.

One thing is for sure, 2018/2019 is going to be a cracking season !!

[jimclark]

with apologies to Abba fans:

Apology nothing....
Thanks for the reminder and 'due to play some. 'Easy to find in the front of my vinyl collection (filed alphabetically)...

[lofty]

Could he even be in a McLaren? Why not in Gt?

[jimclark]

Methinks he wants to win overall (of course I don't know this ); not just a class win. 

[Landy_Jon]

...he's already linked to Toyota isn't he...


Watch out for the new LMP1 boys and LMP2!

[jimclark]

As far as I know, yes. http://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/41947568

Then again, I'm a firm believer in "none of what you hear and half of what you see...."

[Kristof]

He should be in Bahrain as from tomorrow ...
I'm there too, will post updates as soon as I hear something

[Landy_Jon]

Cheers Kristof - I was in Bahrain for the '14 race.  Loved it.