Two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso impressed by first Dakar test

The Spaniard has been training with the Toyota Gazoo South Africa team for four days in Namibia.

The 38-year-old has admitted what has surprised him during his dune ride which included a ride on the notorious Namibian dune 7, which is 380 meters high.

"That was a shock at the beginning, Alonso told motorsport.com. "You have to approach such an increase with a lot of respect. You have to use a sophisticated technique that I have not yet appropriated. You had to bail me out a few times.

After training in Namibia, Alonso will take part in the Harrismith 400, a run for the South African Cross Country Championship in mid-September.

Alonso continued: "The feeling is true because the tests have so far taken place in a very controlled atmosphere. Thanks to the tremendous experience of my team, we always knew exactly what to expect. I try to go before I run, I make little progress and gain self-confidence, with each run the horror decreases. So far so good".