Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso finished 11th on stage one of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.
The 38-year-old, alongside navigator and five-time Dakar motorbike champion Marc Coma, was over a quarter of an hour behind winner Vaidotas Zala on the 752km route from Jeddah to Al Wajh.
Dakar Rally ‘biggest challenge of my career’ – Alonso
Lithuanian Zala led home a one-two-three for Mini, two minutes 14 seconds clear of team-mates Stephane Peterhansel, the 13-time Dakar champion, and Carlos Sainz.

Follow MotorMouth on social media:

• 
• 
• 
•