Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso will compete in the Dakar Rally in 2020 with Toyota. The Spaniard took part in two rally-raids earlier this year with the Japanese manufacturer in a warm-up for the Dakar and will be now be competing in Saudi Arabia next year.

Fellow Spaniard Marc Coma, winner of the Dakar himself on five occasions, will be his co-driver. The announcement has been anticipated for some time after Alonso linked up with Toyota for two rallies this year.

The first Rally Raid event in South Africa marked his debut in competitive rallying. He went on to finish 16th overall after rolling his Hilux and hitting a bird in two separate incidents that cost him both the original and spare windscreens.

A second outing in the Rally of Morocco in September was marred with more issues for the Spaniard, who finished 26th overall, having crashed out of the competition during the third stage.

Alonso made clear his experiences in rally raids with Toyota would be crucial to determining his participation in the Dakar, no doubt the biggest challenge the 38-year-old has faced in his illustrious career.

The Dakar will represent another challenge for Alonso away from F1, having already attempted the Indy 500 twice in his pursuit of the Triple Crown. His second entry with McLaren was ruined as the team found itself woefully under-prepared and Alonso failed to qualify for the 2019 race.

---

digital extra