Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso has confirmed that he will compete in January’s Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia with Toyota Gazoo Racing.
The announcement was made Thursday during a Toyota press conference at the Rally of Spain in Catalunya.
Alonso will drive a V8-powered Toyota Hilux in the 12-day event and will be paired with five-time Dakar Bike class champion Marc Coma.
Ya es oficial! Estaré en el próximo @dakar junto a @marc_coma y Toyota Gazoo Racing! Este es un reto apasionante! Vamos a por ello!✊️
— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) October 24, 2019
So now it’s oficial! I will be on the next @dakar with the legend @marc_coma and Toyota Gazoo Racing! This is a big challenge! Let’s do it!✊️ pic.twitter.com/XlkF97Ohqg
The Spaniard will join TGR’s four-car squad that will also prepare entries for defending Dakar champion Nasser Al Attiyah, 2009 champion Giniel de Villiers, and Bernhard Ten Brinke.
In preparation for January’s event, Alonso will compete in a regional rally in Saudi Arabia next month.
Alonso made his rallying debut in South Africa last month and finished 27th in the Morocco Rally two weeks ago after an early crash.
In June, Alonso won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with TGR. He also won the 24 Hours of Daytona this January with Wayne Taylor Racing.
The 2020 Dakar Rally begins on January 5 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.