Dakar Rally is a one-off attempt: Alonso

Spanish racing driver Fernando Alonso, two-time Formula 1 world champion and the FIA World Endurance Championship title-holder, said on Monday that his upcoming participation in the Dakar Rally is 'a one-off attempt' and did not consider it to be part of his plans for the future.

"I see it as a one-off attempt only. An attempt to do Dakar once in my life, to go through that experience, to grow as a driver," Alonso said.

The Spaniard, 38, explained that the upcoming experience at Dakar will not be a debut for a long Cross-Country rallying career, reports Efe news.

"It's not my specialty and it's never been my life, I do not consider it as a future (of mine)," he added.

For the Rallye du Maroc - the only round of the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies held in the African continent from October 3-9 - Alonso has teamed up with countryman Marc Coma, 43, who has won five Dakar titles on a motorbike.

The pair will compete in a Toyota Gazoo Racing car, a first for both Spaniards, and Alonso said it was an important and fundamental test to become familiar with rallying and to prepare for Dakar.

Alonso said that Coma was helping him a lot due to his vast experience in cross country rallying.

The Asturias-born driver added that having Coma as co-pilot was a new experience for both of them, but it was very helpful as it is the first time Alonso will participate in a rally.

( With inputs from IANS )