Two-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso says climbing the Namibia dunes for the first time with the Toyota Hilux was "shocking", as his Dakar Rally preparation programme began in earnest.<br /><br />Alonso has been testing the Hilux in Namibia since Tuesday, following Toyota's announcement that he would embark on a rally-raid initiation programme with the view to potentially making his debut in motorsport's most prestigious cross-country marathon next January.<br /><br />The 38-year-old ex-F1 star had already trialled the Hilux in the Kalahari Desert back in March, but has been given much more complicated terrain to navigate for the current four-day test.<br /><br />It has also served as a first rehearsal of authentic rally-raid conditions for Alonso, as he was given open terrain to navigate using a roadbook by his Toyota Gazoo Racing team.
