Fernando Alonso says winning the iconic Dakar Rally is ‘a big priority’ for him

Fernando Alonso first participated in the Dakar Rally in 2020.

Fernando Alonso says winning the iconic Dakar Rally is ‘a big priority’ for him

Fernando Alonso (Credits: PlanetF1)

While Fernando Alonso maybe 42 years old, he is showing no signs of slowing down. While already contesting at the highest level in F1, he has started to look towards other motorsports to conquer as well, one of which includes the Dakar Rally.

Alonso has revealed that winning the F1 championship is not the biggest priority for him right now, as he is enjoying being involved in the development of Aston Martin. He said that he will be trying Dakar again after already having competed in it in 2020 for Toyota Gazoo Racing.

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“I’m going to try the Dakar again, 99% , but that doesn’t mean that the third title is less of a priority. It’s a priority, but winning the Dakar is a big priority for me too,” Alonso was quoted by SoyMotor.

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Alonso said that winning in endurance, formula one, and the Dakar is a personal challenge for him, and achieving it would be very special for the Spaniard. He said, “If I win in endurance, in Formula 1 and in the Dakar, that would be something very special for me as a driver and as a person.”

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Fernando Alonso’s racing exploits beyond Formula One

Fernando Alonso at the 24 hours of Le Mans in 2018
Fernando Alonso at the 24 hours of Le Mans in 2018 (Credits: Eurosport)

While Fernando Alonso has already etched his name in F1 history as one of the greats, he has not limited himself to that. Over the years, Alonso has participated in several motorsports competitions, like the world endurance championship and the Dakar Rally.

Alonso first appeared in the endurance series in 1999 at the 24 hours of Barcelona, where he finished tenth. He made several other appearances in the series with United Autosports and Wayne Taylor Racing. He finally won the 24 hours of Le Mans with Toyota in 2018 in a 2018 #8 TS050 Hybrid with teammates Sebastian Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima. 

Alonso has also appeared in the IndyCar series, though it was only for one race. Alonso participated in the 2017 Indianapolis 500 after the idea was suggested to him by McLaren chief Zak Brown. He drove the #29 McLaren-Honda-Andretti Dallara DW12.

Alonso also attended a five-month testing program in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East in 2020 to participate in the Dakar Rally with Toyota. Alonso finished the race in 13th position with teammate Marc Coma. 

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