Two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso has directly confirmed his interest in competing in January’s Rolex 24 at Daytona following speculation in recent days of plans with United Autosports.

As first reported by Sportscar365 on Thursday, Alonso is in contention to race with the Anglo-American squad at Daytona as part of its expanded entry for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season-opener.

Alonso has links to United Autosports via its co-owner, Zak Brown, who is also the executive director for the McLaren F1 team where the Spaniard will race full-time in 2018.

However, as part of his push to become just the second driver in history to win the ‘Triple Crown’ of motorsport, Alonso is keen to enter the 24 Hours of Le Mans next year, made possible by lack of clashes with his F1 commitments.

Alonso said on Thursday he would be open to extra preparation for a Le Mans debut, hinting at Daytona, but directly addressed appearing in January’s event during a fan forum event at the Circuit of The Americas on Saturday.

“Obviously I will do my best to race in America as many races as I can,” Alonso said.

“The Indy 500 experience was one of the best races of my life in terms of feeling, in terms of racing approach. I would like to experience more American races.

“One maybe comes in January with the Daytona 24 Hours, so that will be nice.”

This marks Alonso’s first direct reference to the race at Daytona on Jan. 27-28, adding momentum to a possible sports car debut with United Autosports.

Were Alonso to join the team for Daytona, he would be part of a two-car Ligier JS P217 Gibson entry that already features Williams F1 reserve Paul di Resta, McLaren colleague and junior Lando Norris, United Autosports regular Will Owen and the incoming Phil Hanson.