Alonso: Dakar Toyota "takes more abuse" than I'm used to

Former Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso says his Dakar Toyota Hilux "takes more abuse" than he's used to after driving one for the first time.

The two-time F1 world champion has driven many different cars over the past two years and he claims this machine is really different from anything he has driven before.

"I have tried different series and different cars over the past two years and it is an opportunity to try something very different to what I am used to driving," Alonso said after the test in an interview on motorsport.com.

"It has been fun. Different, no doubt, but interesting. The car takes a significant amount of abuse, more than I am used to having. But it was a lot of fun. The bumps are complicated to read, to judge their height and how fast you have to drive over them.

"The car is going well, with good grip, balance, power and braking. Everything feels incredible."

What a day! Thanks Toyota Gazoo to make this test happen. Great to experience different cars and approach to racing in Motorsport. #toyota #motorsport @toyota_sa @toyotamotorsportgmbh pic.twitter.com/n4ERIGoAXW

— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) 27 March 2019

The Spaniard currently drivers for Toyota in the WEC, while he is preparing to enter the Indy500 with McLaren. It seems as if Alonso is preparing himself well for a potential entry in the Dakar Rally.