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Fernando Alonso had to “get out of some trouble” in Dakar test

Fernando Alonso had to “get out of some trouble” in Dakar test

22-08-2019 13:29
1

Bevan Youl

Former Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso has admitted that he had to “get out of some trouble” a bit in his test with the Toyota Hilux in Namibia in preparation for a potential debut in Dakar next year.

The two-time F1 World Champion was challenged with climbing Namibia’s dune seven at a height of 380 metres having previously tested the Toyota Hilux before in the Kalahari Desert.
 
Alonso said to Motoport.com: “It has been a very interesting experience to climb the big dunes here in Namibia for the first time.
 
“They were probably a bit shocking at the beginning, and had to be approached with a lot of respect.

“They require a refined technique that I don't yet have, and we were having to get out of some trouble that I was getting into from time to time.”

2009 Dakar champion Giniel de Villiers has been helping Alonso in his tests, providing him with necessary experience.

“The feelings are good because everything we have done so far have been always very controlled tests,” Alonso added.

“Following a roadmap that’s marked well thanks to the experience also of the team, who knows at all times what we should be facing. 

“I’m trying to walk before I run, and am making little by little progress and gaining confidence. So far, so good.

“Thanks to the team, to Giniel, to my teammate, to everybody, because we’re trying to make progress as quickly as possible and to hopefully have fewer scares with each next run.”