Spain’s Fernando Alonso is set to become the first Formula 1 champion to compete in the Dakar Rally, starting on Sunday in Saudi Arabia.

Renowned as the the world’s most gruelling race, the 38-year-old says the rally will be the biggest challenge of his career.

Alonso, who won the F1 championship in 2005 and 2006, entered Dakar, whose 2020 edition leaves behind South America for Saudi Arabia, as part of his quest to become a more complete and versatile driver.

About 20 F1 drivers have competed in the event over the years but Alonso is the first world champion.

Belgium’s Jacky Ickx became the first former F1 driver to win Dakar, finishing first in 1983 and second in 1986 and 1989. He also won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and a world endurance title.

The expectations for Alonso are comparable to those raised by nine-time rally world champion Sebastien Loeb who competed in the Dakar Rally from 2016 to 2019, winning 13 stages but never finishing first overall.

“If Loeb still hasn’t won the Dakar, imagine me, who is coming from asphalt. I think the goal is more to approach the rally as an enriching experience for us,” Alonso told RTVE before leaving for Saudi Arabia.

The 45-year-old Frenchman failed to take home the bronze Touareg Trophy despite being the best driver in rally history and having skills that fit Dakar better than Formula 1.

Alonso, who has always driven alone, will have veteran Marc Coma, a five-time rally champ in the motorcycle category, helping him navigate.

The Spaniard has the triple crown of motor racing within reach.

Having already won the F1 Monaco Grand Prix and 24 Hours of Le Mans in the endurance category, he must win the Indianapolis 500 to achieve the feat.

Briton Graham Hill is the only driver to do so.

If Alonso can win the Dakar crown, he will be considered one of the best all-around drivers ever.

The nearly 8000 km route starts in Jeddah and finish in Qiddiyah, near Riyadh.