Alonso to leave Toyota WEC team after 2019 Le Mans race

Fernando Alonso will leave the Toyota World Endurance Championship team after the 2019 Le Mans race. The Spaniard won the 2018 race, completing part two out of three of motorsport's Triple Crown.

The Spaniard will be replaced by Brendon Hartley, formerly of the Porsche WEC programme, for the remainder of the 2018/19 WEC Super Season. The New-Zealander will partner Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima at the team.

Alonso is set to compete at the Indy 500 this season with a McLaren Chevrolet entry as he aims to become just the second man after Graham Hill to complete the fabled three-part challenge across three different disciplines of racing.

“I have enjoyed being part of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in WEC but this chapter is ending," Alonso said in his departure announcement.

"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.”