Dakar Rally is a one-off attempt: Alonso

Madrid, Oct 21 (IANS) 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.
--IANS kk/bg