Fernando Alonso to race in Dakar Rally 2020

During a press conference at Port Aventura Convention Center on Thursday, the two-time Formula One world champion said that his co-pilot will be Spaniard Marc Coma, a five-time Dakar winner on a motorbike, reports Efe news.

"It's the toughest challenge I've faced in my career, learning everything from scratch," Alonso said. "But I think I'm in the right team, with the best teammates."

"I'm able to learn a lot from them not only as a driver but also as a person. When you have this group of people by your side, it makes you a better person," he said.

Alonso, 38, comes to rallying with vast experience in F1 and with the 2019 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) title under his belt. He has won the Le Mans 24 Hours on two occasions and competed in the Indianapolis 500.

"I think we're in the best position to be optimistic with our chances at Dakar," he said. "I want to enjoy the adventure, paying respect to the race and the difficulties."

"One of those opportunities was this one: Dakar. It's the hardest race on the planet, but for me it's a way of pushing the limit for better," he said.

Alonso, who will be the first F1 driver to take part in the Dakar Rally, needs to win the Indy 500 to complete the Triple Crown of motorsport: the Monaco Grand Prix, Le Mans and Indianapolis.

( With inputs from IANS )