Alonso learning new skills in Dakar tests

Fernando Alonso says he is having to learn entirely new driving techniques as he continues to test machinery which could take him to the Dakar Rally.

Alonso is testing Toyota's Hilux car as he eyes a tilt at the legendary off-road race early next year, with a competitive debut in dune racing slated for next month in South Africa.

Having got behind of the wheel of his new car again, the three-time world champion across Formula 1 and WEC says he feels like a rookie all over again in certain aspects.

"It has been a very interesting experience to climb the big dunes here in Namibia for the first time," Alonso told Motorsport.com.

"They were probably a bit shocking at the beginning, and had to be approached with a lot of respect. They require a refined technique that I don't yet have, and we were having to get out of some trouble that I was getting into from time to time.

"The feelings are good because everything we have done so far have been always very controlled tests, following a roadmap that's marked well thanks to the experience also of the team, who knows at all times what we should be facing.

"I'm trying to walk before I run, and am making little by little progress and gaining confidence. So far, so good.

"Thanks to the team, to Giniel, to my teammate, to everybody, because we're trying to make progress as quickly as possible and to hopefully have fewer scares with each next run."

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