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Daytona 24 Hours: Alonso praises WTR for 'perfect execution' of race

Daytona 24 Hours winner Fernando Alonso says his Wayne Taylor Racing outfit's execution of the shortened race was "perfect"

Alonso and #10 WTR Cadillac DPi-V.R team-mates Kamui Kobayashi, Renger van der Zande and Jordan Taylor were declared winners of the race on Sunday evening after heavy rain forced a second red-flag period and stopped the race being restarted.

The two-time Formula 1 world champion completed the race-deciding pass shortly before the second red flag was shown, taking the lead from the #31 Action Express Cadillac of Felipe Nasr when the ex-Sauber F1 driver ran wide at the first corner.

Speaking to NBCSN after the race, Alonso said: "[It was] just an amazing experience with this team, from the test and now the race - a perfect execution of the race.

"[There were] very different conditions, we've been competitive in everything: dry and wet, night and day. [I'm] really happy for the team and all the guys."

Team boss Wayne Taylor explained earlier this month how difficult it had been for him to secure Alonso for the race.

Speaking after the race, the two-time Daytona winner said Alonso was one of the best racing drivers he had worked with.

"I'm disappointed as [his son] Jordan has won as many 24s as I have, and I never wanted this day to happen!" said Taylor.

"I can't even put it into words. Everything all has to come together - I took nine months to get [Alonso] to agree! I have to say thanks to [McLaren CEO] Zak Brown for making this happen.

"Fernando Alonso is one of the most impressive guys I've ever seen, when I heard him come on the radio and absolutely talking in fear I suddenly realised, 'Let's not race any more.'"

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