Former F1 ace Fernando Alonso in SA: tests Toyota's 2019 Dakar Hilux bakkie

Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso is in South Africa to test Toyota's Dakar-winning Hilux race bakkie. 

The former F1 racer posted a photograph on Instagram at 9:00am (Central African Time) from his flight with dessert terrain below, similar to that of the harsh environment where Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa conducts its testing. 

Motorsport.com reported that Toyota Gazoo SA will have both 2019 bakkies in the Northern Cape for testing, former Dakar winner Giniel de Villiers is also at the Goerapan facility in the Northern Cape. 

Alonso is currently competing in the World Endurance Championship for Toyota Gazoo, his only other commitment is his second Indy500 race for McLaren on May 26 2019. 

The Spaniard doesn't have much rallying experience. Motorsport.com reported that he explored non-circuit competition by testing a kart-cross machine on gravel with former Dakar champion Carlos Sainz Sr and and his son Carlos Sainz Jr during Christmas 2018.

The 37-year-old competed for seventeen seasons in F1 and announced his retirement in 2018.