Fernando Alonso responds to Dakar rumours: “I don’t think that’s possible”

Fernando Alonso has proven time and again that he loves to put his foot down – and not just in Formula 1. For example, the Spaniard competed successfully in the World Endurance Championship, crowning himself champion in the 2018/19 season and securing two victories in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.

In addition, Alonso also tried his hand at the Indy 500 on several occasions. The Asturian had less success there. He finished his first attempt in 24th place after starting from a promising fifth on the grid; in 2019, he failed to qualify; and in 2020, he crossed the finish line in 21st place.

Fernando Alonso’s Dakar debut was years ago

He fared better in his first – and so far only – Dakar adventure. Alonso competed in a Toyota Hilux and managed to turn heads by finishing second in one stage. However, several forced stops for repairs and a rollover meant that he ultimately finished in 13th place alongside his co-driver Marc Coma.

Recently, reports in the Spanish press suggested that Alonso was planning a second Dakar campaign next spring. According to these reports, he intended to compete again with Coma by his side, in a Dacia built by Prodrive. But Alonso wants nothing to do with it. When asked about it in the Singapore paddock, the 45-year-old dismissed the idea: “I’ve read these rumours, but I don’t think it’s possible. Physically, it would be almost impossible to juggle two such demanding series as Formula 1 and the Dakar.”

Alonso promises: no rumours about his next adventure away from Formula 1

Nor will we be seeing him in a GT3 car any time soon, the 32-time Grand Prix winner made clear: “I’ve no plans to do that; I’ve never tried it, because it requires extensive preparation – just like all these challenges. I think people believe it’s easy because some good results have been achieved. But a lot of preparatory work is needed. You need a great deal of determination and also a bit of luck to celebrate success. And when I take on the next challenge, I’ll announce it myself. It won’t be a rumour. I’ll announce it myself, and that will happen when I think the preparation has been good enough and there are enough risks that can be taken.”

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