Alonso would 'love' wider WEC programme in 2018 amid Toyota links

Fernando Alonso stayed largely coy on suggestions he could enjoy a multi-race programme with Toyota in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2018, but admitted he would "love" to do more sports car racing alongside his McLaren Formula 1 commitments.

Alonso tested a Toyota LMP1 car in Bahrain last Sunday ahead of a rumoured entry to the 24 Hours of Le Mans next year as part of the Spaniard's bid to complete the 'Triple Crown of Motorsport'.

 BBC Sport reported earlier this month Alonso has agreed in principle to race with Toyota at Le Mans next June, but could expand this deal to include other WEC races, with just one clash existing with the F1 schedule in 2018.

Asked by Crash.net if he would be interested in a wider WEC campaign, Alonso stayed coy, saying he "didn't think about that" before being pressed on the matter.

"I need to digest that... I need to see the calendar properly.

"It could be nice. Probably. I would love it."

McLaren racing director Eric Boullier did not offer much of a comment on the speculation, but acknowledged Alonso's desire to race and the fact there were only three races besides Le Mans - Spa, Silverstone and Shanghai - he could enter that did not clash with his F1 duties.

"He can't do the full season. And with the 'super season', there is only actually I think three races you could do plus Le Mans," Boullier said.

"Obviously we all know Fernando likes to race every weekend. There is not enough with 52 weekends per year.

"We know that he wants to do Le Mans one day. So far there have been no official requests. We've not been asked.

"So I cannot comment on rumours."