JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso embarks on his first Dakar Rally on Sunday determined to "enjoy the adventure". The 2005 and 2006 F1 champion is one of 351 starters in the gruelling 7,500 kilometre marathon that has moved to Saudi Arabia from South America. Despite the expertise of five-time bike champion Marc Coma navigating, Alonso downplayed his hopes of creating history by becoming the first F1 champion to lift the Dakar. Alonso is hoping to make it to the second week "with a little better chance to be in the top places". He is not the first F1 driver to take up the Dakar challenge.

Source: New Strait Times January 04, 2020 11:15 UTC