Alonso impressed with his Toyota: 'A very special machine'

Fernando Alonso's first test behind the wheel of his 2018 Le Mans-bound Toyota TS050 left the Spaniard thoroughly impressed.

In his bid to win motorsport's coveted Triple crown, the two-time world champion will be racing at Le Mans this year with the Japanese manufacturer, as well as in the majority of the rounds of the World Endurance Championship.

Alonso briefly sampled Toyota's LMP1 charger in Bahrain last year before enjoying mileage behind the wheel of his future Le Mans contender.

"The car is just amazing, this machine is something very special," Alonso said.

"I think the four-wheel drive, together with the boost of the hybrid system makes the acceleration feel like a rocket ship.

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"You go out of the corners and you feel the compression of the seat and your eyes are very wide open. Any racing driver should feel that at least one time.

"To race in the best venues, the best circuits in the world like Le Mans with some of the best teams on the world like Toyota it is a privilege and a dream come true."

Alonso's allegiance to McLaren will take precedence over his WEC commitments, an overlap which will see the driver miss the 6 Hours of Fuji round which clashes with the US Grand Prix in Austin.

Despite a hectic 2018 schedule, Alonso is raring to go.

"I cannot wait until June but I know that before the big event I will need to do some tests because you need to prepare and to respect that race which I’ll try to do," he said.

"I will try to be fit, to be fully prepared, to travel efficiently and be ready."

Check out footage of Toyota and Alonso at Aragon in the video below.

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