Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso has driven on many types of race tracks in his storied career. With the Spaniard having recently tried IndyCar racing and his debut in the IMSA Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona coming this weekend, Alonso said on Tuesday that he's open to trying Charlotte Motor Speedway's innovative Roval sometime soon.
"I would love to try one day," Alonso said at the 36th annual NASCAR Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway at the Charlotte Convention Center. "It's a nice combination when you can race with half of a circuit in an oval, in a different speed and mindset while you're driving, and the other half being a road course. I had that experience in Indianapolis in Formula One and now in Daytona it's the same thing. Half the circuit is an oval. I like the combination and I think it'll work in the future.
"It's definitely a challenge and it's something we like. Different parts of the circuit require different approaches with the car."
Alonso, Jimmie Johnson Share Mutual Admiration
Success recognizes success in the motorsports world.
Alonso - who has 32 Formula One victories and is regarded as one of the greatest open-wheel racers of all time - begins his 17th F1 season this year.
Jimmie Johnson, one of three drivers to win seven Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championships, chases his record eighth crown in his 17th year behind the wheel of Hendrick Motorsports' No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro.
The two champion drivers chatted on Tuesday and later spoke with media about their lofty opinions of one another.
"I first became a fan of (Johnson's) through the NASCAR video games," said Alonso, who races for McLaren in F1. "I would always choose his car because I liked it. That was the first time I (became a fan) and obviously the success he's had over the years in motor racing, he became a legend in our sport. I have massive respect for him."
Johnson was taken aback and humbled by Alonso's comments.
"I'm honored I found out that one of his major stipulations of coming today was to have a chance to meet me. That means the world to me," Johnson said.
"Oddly enough, I've been a huge fan of his and have followed him for a lot of years. … I think I've enjoyed watching him for one reason and it's grown into many more. It was an honor to meet him."
