'Alonso set for a spectacular new adventure alongside Formula 1'

Alonso has competed in the Dakar Rally once before. In 2020, the two-time Formula 1 world champion took on the grueling event with Toyota.

Former Dakar bike winner Marc Coma was his co-driver. That year, they finished thirteenth. Seven years later, Alonso is set to line up again, once more with Coma by his side. The Spaniard could conduct his first test with the car as early as next week.

Alonso recently extended his Formula 1 contract with Aston Martin and will continue racing for the British team through 2027. He has already hinted that other projects outside Formula 1 were on the way. Many undoubtedly thought of endurance racing, but it now appears to be an adventure in rallying.

Incidentally, Aston Martin has not developed a completely new car for Dakar. The idea is to use a so-called T1+ car from Prodrive, which was previously fielded under the Dacia Sandrider brand. That car would be given a revised exterior and Aston Martin livery. The cars are said to already be in the United Kingdom, where Aston Martin is working on the color scheme.

Throughout his career, Alonso is not shy of racing outside of F1. Not only did he compete in Dakar, but he also went to the Indianapolis 500 and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice. Of course, he has been most successful in Formula 1, where he claimed two world titles in 2005 and 2006.