Double Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso lost over two hours working to repair his Toyota Hilux around 100 miles into the second stage of the 2020 Dakar Rally after picking up damage.
Alonso and his co-driver Marc Coma suffered their first major setback of the event on the second test, of which 228 miles are timed.
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The duo had set the third best time at the first reference point and were the fourth at the second, before their Hilux hit something that is yet to be determined.
Autosport understands that one of the car’s wheels and its suspension were significantly damaged in the impact.
Both Alonso and Coma immediately got out of the car and began repairs, after seeing that one of the wheels and arms of the suspension were damaged.
They carry spare parts in the car and did not wait for the assistance truck, which would have cost them several hours.
At the end of the first stage the pair were 11th, but dropped 2h34m to stage winner Giniel de Villiers.