Ahmed Eltigani
Qatari rally driver Nasser Al Attiyah is set to defend his title for the fourth time in his career and the second consecutive time during the 2020 season, in the 42nd edition of the Dakar International Rally, which will be held for the first time in the Middle East in Saudi Arabia. Al Attiyah won his three Dakar Rally victories in 2011, 2015 and 2019.
Nasser Al Attiyah said he expects the Dakar Rally to witness multiple surprises this year because the race track is new for all drivers, pointing out that his first goal in participation is to defend the title, and that he is fully prepared to achieve this.
Another driver is also under the spotlight this year, making his debut is two-time Formula 1 champion, Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard made clear during the build-up to the event that there shouldn't be too much expected of him, but his caliber as a skilled and experienced driver cannot be ignored.
“That result is positive and it gives me confidence,” said Alonso. “I am doing the Dakar to see what it’s like, but even more so to finish it. I know it will be very difficult.
“The preparation I have done the past few months has enriched me as a driver, which is one of my priorities when I confront these kinds of challenges: to be better at the end of each of them. I have to approach it with a certain calmness. I don’t want to go the Dakar, then quit after the second or third day because of a stupid mistake.”