Fernando Alonso to drive the Toyota GR Hilux at 2020 Dakar Rally

MANILA: The 2020 Dakar Rally could see the debut of Fernando Alonso at the event. Fernando Alonso is a two-time Formula 1 champion and 2018/19 WEC champion. The news broke when the seasoned campaigner was observed testing the 2019 Dakar-winning Toyota Hilux in the Kalahari Desert. Also spotted was Giniel de Villiers, who was playing the role of Alonso's instructor. Following the driver's stint at the Kalahari Desert, Toyota itself has announced that Fernando Alonso will spend five months with Toyota Gazoo Racing and test out the Hilux pickup truck extensively.

“I got a taste of off-road rallying earlier this year and it left me with a good feeling that I want to prolong. I knew it would be a totally different experience with a steep learning curve but the Hilux just felt great; it gave me so much confidence so quickly and I was improving loop after loop,” said Fernando Alonso.

The five-month testing period with Toyota Gazoo Racing will see Fernando Alonso testing out the Hilux in different parts of the world like Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Alonso will drive the Toyota Gazoo Racing's 2020 model of the Hilux race truck at 2019 Harrismith 400 in South Africa in September, later this year. The same truck won the Toyota Gazoo Racing this year's rally. It will be the fifth round of the South African Cross Country Series.

"I’m really looking forward to the next few months of training, getting to know the Hilux and working with the team. I’ve always maintained I want to pursue new challenges in different disciplines and I’m at a great team to do that," cited Alonso. The Japanese automaker hasn't confirmed Alonso's appearance at the 2020 Dakar Rally yet, however, we would definitely love for the pro to push the Hilux race truck in the trails.

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