United Autosports’ have vowed to make a quick return to the Daytona International Speedway after the Anglo-American team made a big impression in the Rolex 24. The outfit’s brace of Ligier JS P217 LMP2s both led the race at various times and were inside the top-10 and vying for podiums for the majority of the race.

The UK-based team ultimately achieved fourth (#32) overall and 13th (#23) in class on its full Rolex début. A puncture plus brake and throttle sensor issues afflicting the #23 while a clutch malfunction with just over five hours to run demoted the #32 from third-place.

[su_list icon=”icon: angle-double-right” icon_color=”#3498db”]

  • Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona Results
  • IMSA WeatherTech News
  • tRL TV: IMSA WeatherTech Videos

[/su_list]

“It’s been a tough week which ultimately turned out okay.” said Richard Dean. “It feels strange to be slightly disappointed with a fourth place and miss out on a podium but after the preceding days when we struggled with pace, that’s how I feel.”

For Fernando Alonso, it was his first major endurance race in preparation for the rumoured Toyota WEC drive. Despite the issues, the Formula One Champion was pleased with his experience.

“I have a positive feeling about this weekend’s race and the whole event, I really did enjoy this a lot.” said Fernando. “I love driving and doing this for eight or nine hours in a race is great!”

If those WEC rumours are true, and we currently understand that a full season for Toyota in the World Endurance Championship is likely, then he better have enjoyed the extended running.

Engineering student, lover of all things technical and lifelong motorsport fan. Employed in the Oil & Gas Industry, developing Major Emergency Management simulations. Owner of the best beard on the site.