Fernando Alonso has denied strategies that he’ll line up on the 2027 Dakar Rally, regardless of being filmed testing a Prodrive automobile in Morocco.
The Aston Martin driver hinted at a shock undertaking after signing a brand new contract extension with the Silverstone-based outfit, fuelling hypothesis that the 45-year-old may flip his consideration to a special sequence away from Formulation 1.
The Dakar Rally rapidly emerged as essentially the most persistent hearsay, with Alonso having beforehand tackled the world’s hardest rally again in 2020. A tie-up with Prodrive was floated because the seemingly route again in.
Talking in Singapore, Alonso moved to close the hypothesis down.
“I’ve learn the rumours too,” Alonso stated. “However no, bodily talking, I do not assume it is doable. It is virtually unattainable to mix two demanding packages like a Formulation 1 championship and the Dakar Rally.”
“Once I tackle my subsequent problem, I will announce it myself. Then it will not be a hearsay anymore, I will be the one breaking the information. And that will not occur till I really feel my preparation is sweet sufficient and it is a danger value taking.”
Alonso noticed conducting Dakar check
Regardless of the denial, proof has since emerged suggesting there could also be extra to the story. Footage posted to Instagram by Gerard Farré confirmed Alonso in Morocco for a Prodrive check, with the Spaniard pictured behind the wheel of an all-black race automobile on Friday.
Prodrive had been working with Dacia on its Dakar program, however the squad is now understood to be getting ready to enter below Aston Martin branding.
There stays some uncertainty over the place the Dakar Rally will even happen. The occasion is historically held between January 1 and 15 in Saudi Arabia, however contingency plans are reportedly being drawn up amid unrest within the Center East, with Morocco touted as a doable different venue given the nation already hosts a prestigious rally of its personal.
Ought to that change occur, the logistical hurdle dealing with Alonso would shrink significantly, and with it, the probability that the two-time world champion finally ends up on the Dakar entry record in spite of everything.
