Formula One driver Fernando Alonso and four tourists were unhurt when the double world champion's private jet clipped a wall before take-off in the Kenyan resort of Malindi, officials said.

The luxury jet's wing was damaged when it hit the wall as it prepared to lift off at an airport in Malindi, an Indian Ocean resort popular with celebrities, the airport's deputy manager Ali Farah told AFP.

A police officer from the region confirmed the Renault driver was involved in a runway accident late Sunday.

“It was a minor incident… What I can tell you is that they all emerged fine and went back to their hotel,” said the officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Alonso, his wife Raquel del Rosario, and their three guests arrived in Malindi two weeks ago for Christmas and had been staying at the “Lion in the Sun,” a luxurious getaway owned by Renault Formula One boss Flavio Briatore.

A new private jet was sent from Spain to pick up the stranded tourists.

Malindi is a high-end haven for the rich and famous and has long been frequented by western celebrities and tourists, including British supermodel Naomi Campbell and her ex-boyfriend Briatore.

AFP

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