Alonso 11th in first Dakar Rally stage as Mini dominate!

Fernando Alonso stands in 11th following the first stage of the 2020 Dakar Rally. The Spaniard is competing in the event for the first time in Saudi Arabia, but sits off the pace of the leading Minis following day one.

The two-time F1 World Champion is filling his time by experimenting with other series, racing the world famous rally with Toyota, although he is aready 15 minutes off the pace.

Racing from Jeddah to Al Wajh, it was Lithuanian Vaidotas Zala who took the early lead, followed by Stephane Peterhansel and Carlos Sainz Sr, father of McLaren F1 star Carlos Sainz Jr.

On Monday, the competitors will leave Al Wajh for Neom, a 367km drive, but Alonso can take positives from his first day in the desert, finishing ahead of plenty of more experienced drivers.