Fernando Alonso had his first chance to drive the Super TC 2000 race car of Toyota Gazoo Racing in Argentina on Monday.

Following his maiden cross-country rally podium in AlUla–Neom alongside fellow countryman Marc Coma in the Toyota Hilux in Saudi Arabia, Alonso flew down to Argentina for another step in his preparation for the 2020 Dakar Rally in January.

Alonso drove the STC2000 car of 2019 points leader Matias Rossi at Autodromo de Buenos Aires Juan y Oscar Galvez in Buenos Aires. He started off on the wet weather tyres due to damp conditions but the circuit dried enough for a run on the slick compound.

The two-time champion was helped by Rossi in adapting to the track as well as the race car earlier in the day, while going around Toyota Corolla. Alonso then took several guests of the Japanese manufacturer in the SCT2000 car to complete the Gazoo Day.

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“Unfortunately, I never came to compete here in Argentina, but it is a very friendly place,” said Alonso to Clarin.com. “It shows the culture that is here for motor sport and I am surprised by the passion with how world motorsport is followed.

“As explained to me that is because the local activity so strong. It would be an honor to come to run a race as important as the one in Buenos Aires of Super TC2000.” Alonso will spend few days in Argentina to continue with his Dakar 2020 preparations.

Staying with Dakar, Alonso signed with Cetilar Racing as his new sponsor for the cross-country rally, with the brand to feature on his race suit as well as his racing helmet. The team competes in FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in LMP2 class.

Here’s how Fernando Alonso fared in his last rally in Saudi Arabia

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