Alonso double-rolls the Hilux on Stage 10!

It wasn't the smoothest of starts for Fernando Alonso on Wednesday, the Spaniard hitting a dune and rolling his Toyota Hilux just a couple of kilometers into the Dakar's 10th stage!

Alonso and co-driver Marc Coma, who were sitting 10th overall in the rankings ahead of today's stage, appeared to mount the dune at an awkward angle, upsetting the car's balance at the summit which induced a double roll down the hill.

Ironically, Alonso's mishap could have occurred in the middle of nowhere on the 534 km stage. But forever the showman, the Spaniard did it in front of the media and its cameras.

Undeterred, the Toyota crew continued on its way, after knocking out the windshield and despite a damaged suspension. However, the incident cost Alonso 68 minutes in the stage's first sector.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.