Fernando Alonso downplayed his chances of winning next month’s Dakar rally raid, insisting his inexperience of the grueling event will limit his prospects.
Alonso’s 2019 agenda included an ill-fated attempt to qualify for the Indy 500 and the conclusion of his WEC duties with Toyota for which he won the Le Mans 24 Hours for a second time.
As he continues to venture out of his motorsport comfort zone, and before he focuses on another run at the Indy 500 in May, the two-time F1 world champion is preparing for two weeks of sand and dust off Saudi Arabia’s beaten tracks onboard his Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux with co-driver Marc Coma.
-
Alonso ‘amazed’ by Hamilton’s continued success in F1
Asked if he felt ready for his upcoming joy ride in the desert, the Spaniard said he was, but winning would be a challenge.
“If I go there to enjoy the experience, yes,” he said at Friday evening’s FIA prize giving in Paris.
“If I go there to make the most of it, yes.
“If I think on Dakar in terms of winning Dakar, I don’t feel ready.
“I’m perfectly aware of my lack of experience. I think in other races that I attempt, in Indy or Le Mans or Daytona, I feel quite competitive in a level that I could fight for victory.
“In Dakar, I don’t think I am at that level and I need to be with feet on the ground. But I will play a different strategy. I will not be the fastest but hopefully I will be in a good position at the end.”
©McLaren