Alonso praying for rain in Le Mans qualifying

Fernando Alonso is hoping for some rain to fall during Thursday’s qualifying sessions for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in order to gain experience driving the Toyota LMP1 car in damp conditions ahead of the race.

Two-time Formula 1 world champion Alonso will gun for overall victory on his Le Mans debut on Sunday as part of his bid to complete the ‘triple crown of motorsport’.

The Spaniard has completed extensive test running with Toyota in its TS050 Hybrid car, as well as winning his first World Endurance Championship race last month at Spa, but is yet to drive it in the wet.

Dry conditions are expected for Q1 on Wednesday night, but rain showers are forecast for Thursday, with Q2 and Q3 both scheduled for the evening.

“I don’t feel pressure, I’m just curious to see. I saw obviously a lot of laps in rain conditions and onboards and things like that,” Alonso said.

“We should be ready. I would like it if it rained tomorrow in qualifying. This way, if it rains in the race, at least you get some laps before in practice or qualifying.

“If it rains tomorrow, great, to have the experience. If it doesn’t rain tomorrow and rain in the race, we will manage I’m sure.

“We’ll see if we can put in a lap today just in case tomorrow it rains. On Thursday there is the risk of rain, so we should put together a lap today.”

Known for his wet-weather skills in F1, Alonso said it would be a different driving style in the four-wheel drive Toyota, but has no concerns should rain come in the race.

“I think it’s going to be different, the exits maybe a little bit easier, but braking, not easy, because the hybrid system interacts always with the braking performance,” Alonso said.

“We will see. I think we will be ready, and we will be OK. In dry or wet, I’m not too worried. We have the same worries as anyone else. It could happen to anyone.

“I think the mentality and approach to the race is very clear from our side. We’re all focused and concentrated. We are aware of the zero risk and zero mistakes that we have to put on our side, the driver’s side.

“As I said, preparation is 100. We cannot be better prepared. It’s just now to execute it.”