Toyota Gazoo Racing has confirmed Brendon Hartley will take over the seat vacated by Fernando Alonso for the 2019/2020 FIA World Endurance Championship season.
"I am sad to say goodbye to Fernando and would like to thank him a lot for his contribution to this fantastic season during which he has written his name in Toyota's motorsport history," said Toyota Gazoo Racing Team President Hisatake Murata. "His passion, desire to win and willingness to chase his dreams is truly impressive. We will enjoy working together for the final two races when I know we all share the same target of winning Le Mans and both World Championships.”
Hartley recently returned to the championship in the LMP1 class with SMP Racing at Sebring, having been dropped from the Scuderia Toro Rosso Formula 1 team at the end of 2018. The New Zealander previously won two WEC titles with former rivals Porsche in 2015 and 2017, he also won the 2017 24 hours of Le Mans.
The Japanese manufacturer has confirmed Alonso will pursue other challenges within the motorsport world, the former double F1 World Champion recently tested one of Toyota Gazoo Racing's Dakar winning Hilux pickups in South Africa.
Hartley will make his first public appearance for Toyota at the Le Mans test day on June 1 where he will get the chance to drive the TS050.
"A big thanks to Toyota Gazoo Racing for giving me this opportunity," said Hartley. "I know how professional and motivated this team is following my years competing against them in WEC, so I am fired up and am very happy to be joining them.
"I believe I am returning to WEC an even stronger driver following my experience in Formula 1 and I look forward to getting on track and building a strong relationship with my new team.
"I can't wait to get behind the wheel of the TS050 HYBRID; the first tests can't come soon enough."
While acknowledging his departure from the team as well as Hartley's arrival, Alonso remains focused on chasing the 2018/19 title with team-mates Kazuki Nakajima and Sebastien Buemi in the final two rounds at Spa and Le Mans.
"I have enjoyed being part of Toyota Gazoo Racing in WEC but this chapter is ending," added Alonso "Winning Le Mans is one of the highlights of my career as part of my Triple Crown challenge and I will always remember that victory which we achieved together as a team last year.
"Now is a good time to take on new challenges and there are many interesting opportunities to explore within Toyota Gazoo Racing. I wish Brendon all the best for next season and I would like to thank all the team members for the big effort they continue to make to achieve success in WEC.
"We still have two important races remaining as we are still in the fight to become WEC World Champions and I will be pushing hard to win both of them.
"I would love to put an end to this super season by celebrating a new world title with all the Toyota Gazoo Racing family. Finally, I'd like to take the opportunity to say thanks to all WEC and ACO members for such a warm welcome and experience."
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