Alonso going cold on Dakar challenge?

Fernando Alonso's future driving plans remain no clearer, with the three-time world champion saying a rumoured tilt at the Dakar Rally in 2020 would be "extreme".

Alonso ditched F1 last year to focus on winning the Indianapolis 500 with McLaren to secure the Triple Crown, but he failed to qualify for the race this year in an embarrassing development for driver and team.

Earlier this year he tested Toyota's Dakar machinery, sparking speculation that he could have a go at the mammoth off-road challenge.

"It's an attractive event, the most important, but also opposite to my qualities or way of driving," he said.

"I've never competed on gravel and attempting the toughest rally in the world suddenly would be something extreme."

Despite recent speculation that a return to F1 could be on the cards, Alonso once again distanced himself with coming back.

"In recent years, what F1 can offer me on a personal level is not attractive enough," he said.

"It was an exceptional stage for me, but today I do not find in F1 the challenges I can get outside it.

"I have a clear idea of what I am going to do. I do not leave doors open and I am not waiting or looking for anyone to call me.

"I always chose where and when I wanted to race, because I move based on what makes me happy. What I will do in the future is in my head and it will be known in due time."

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