Fernando Alonso Will Race in Dakar 2020

Fernando Alonso confirmed today at a Toyota Gazoo Racing press conference he will be competing in the 2020 Dakar rally, according to Autosport. The Spanish Formula 1 champion will drive a V-8-powered Toyota Hilux throughout the 12-day event, taking place in January.

Alonso has been testing with Toyota since March 2019, before entering his first event in August to get accustomed to the rigors of longer off-road competition. Hopes for a top-10 finish in Morocco were dashed after a crash on stage three forced him and co-driver Marc Coma to retire thanks to front suspension damage, according to Motorsport.com.

Autosport reports the 38-year old Spaniard will race in a regional rally in Saudi Arabia in preparation for Dakar this December. The decision to compete came after Dakar organizers banned testing in the country leading up to the start of the event.

Source: Brian Silvestro, Road&Track