Fernando Alonso is keen to get his maiden Daytona 24 Hours outing underway and believes participating in other series besides Formula 1 will improve him as a driver.
The McLaren driver will compete for United Autosports at this month's Daytona 24 in what is Alonso's second competitive outing in the US outside of F1 in the last 12 months, having competed in – and led – the Indianapolis 500 with a one-car McLaren-Andretti entry.
The Spaniard believes broadening his experience in other racing categories will make him a better overall driver and is raring to get going this week.
"It’s a true pleasure to go back racing in the States, in front of the US fans," said Alonso. "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."
He added: "I am looking forward to racing for United Autosports, the reigning European LMP3 Champions.
"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.
"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!"
Alonso's team-mates in the #23 car will be McLaren third driver Lando Norris and 2017 ALMS champion Phil Hanson.
Alonso isn't the only F1 driver taking part, in fact United Autosports' #32 car is made up of former HRT racer Bruno Senna, former Force India and current Williams test driver Paul di Resta, alongside Hugo de Sadeleer and Will Owen.
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