Kieran is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs and feature content across the F1 calendar. An NQJ-qualified journalist with more than a decade of experience, he has previously written for publications including MailOnline, the Manchester Evening News and the Eastern Daily Press.
Mike Krack believes it is “good for motorsport” when Formula 1 drivers take on challenges in other categories, as speculation continues over whether Fernando Alonso could compete in the Dakar Rally next year.
Alonso is reportedly set for a return to the Dakar Rally after previously driving the gruelling event back in 2020. Ahead of this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix, Aston Martin's Chief Trackside Officer, Krack, was asked about the possibility of Alonso tackling the famous off-road event.
Krack stressed that he could not confirm whether the Spaniard would be given approval to do so, but made clear that he is personally in favour of drivers racing beyond Formula 1 when their schedules allow.
“We had Robert [Kubica] doing rally, we had Kimi [Raikkonen] doing rally, we had Max [Verstappen] doing GT3 and we had Lance [Stroll] doing GT3,” Krack said.
“Personally, I like that. I think it is good for motorsport in general if the drivers do that. Now what happens, I cannot really say in Fernando’s case for next year.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Krack points out Verstappen amid Alonso rumours
Alonso has previous experience of the Dakar Rally, having competed in the event with Toyota in 2020. The two-time Formula 1 world champion finished 13th overall alongside co-driver Marc Coma, despite suffering a roll during the event.
The 45-year-old has remained open to racing outside Formula 1 throughout his career, including his previous attempts at the Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans, where he won twice with Toyota.
Krack pointed to Verstappen’s recent GT3 outings as an example of drivers’ appetite to compete whenever opportunities arise. The Dutchman has combined his Formula 1 commitments with sim racing and GT3 action, despite the increasingly demanding F1 calendar.
“With the calendar we have, they want to do other things,” Krack continued. “I think for Max, it was seven weekends in a row with all the GT3 stuff. It shows what racers they are and it will glue me to the TV like all of us.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Krack was also asked about whether he would allow his drivers to take part in races such as Le Mans. “I’m not making this final approval, yes or no, you are allowed to, so I cannot really confirm,” he added. “I’m just saying personally it’s a good thing, as race drivers should race.”
Don’t miss GPblog in Google
Mark us as a preferred source and our articles will appear more often at the top of Top Stories.
Add as a preferred / source on Google
