Where are all the Alonso detractors
10-03-2007, 05:10 PM
#616
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Alonso to Ferrari is as probable as Massa to Mclaren from what I gather.
Last edited by Nano; 10-03-2007 at 05:26 PM.
10-03-2007, 05:36 PM
#617
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I let mine hang ..........
10-05-2007, 01:27 PM
#618
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Ron Dennis disappointed over Alonso Comments
Ron Dennis on Friday said he is 'disappointed' with Fernando Alonso following an answer the Spaniard gave to the media in Shanghai.
Alonso, who fell twelve points behind his McLaren team-mate and championship rival Lewis Hamilton in Japan a week ago, told a journalist on Thursday that he would 'not answer' a question about whether he expects equal treatment for the final two races of 2007.
Spanish newspapers in particular wondered after the Japanese Grand Prix if Alonso's near title-ending crash caused by aquaplaning had been influenced by, specifically, doctored tyre pressures.
The Le Matin reporter on Thursday had asked Alonso whether he suspended McLaren would make subtle changes to his car in Shanghai, including to pressures and also things like aerodynamic settings.
Cliquez ici...
After telling the World Motor Sport Council last month that he shares an extremely strained relationship with Alonso, Dennis responded in China: "I'm obviously disappointed that someone who really has all the knowledge should not be more direct and open with the response."
Dennis insisted that his drivers' equality is enshrined in 'numerous clauses' in their contracts.
He said: "Even in very, very difficult circumstances, we never will, never have and certainly are not favouring either driver at the moment. This is a straight fight."
Alonso, who fell twelve points behind his McLaren team-mate and championship rival Lewis Hamilton in Japan a week ago, told a journalist on Thursday that he would 'not answer' a question about whether he expects equal treatment for the final two races of 2007.
Spanish newspapers in particular wondered after the Japanese Grand Prix if Alonso's near title-ending crash caused by aquaplaning had been influenced by, specifically, doctored tyre pressures.
The Le Matin reporter on Thursday had asked Alonso whether he suspended McLaren would make subtle changes to his car in Shanghai, including to pressures and also things like aerodynamic settings.
Cliquez ici...
After telling the World Motor Sport Council last month that he shares an extremely strained relationship with Alonso, Dennis responded in China: "I'm obviously disappointed that someone who really has all the knowledge should not be more direct and open with the response."
Dennis insisted that his drivers' equality is enshrined in 'numerous clauses' in their contracts.
He said: "Even in very, very difficult circumstances, we never will, never have and certainly are not favouring either driver at the moment. This is a straight fight."
10-05-2007, 01:31 PM
#619
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Lewis tries to calm tension between Him and Alonso
To Alonso , Beware of Greeks bearing Gifts.....
Read On:
After regularly criticising his team-mate a week ago in Japan, championship leader Lewis Hamilton sent Fernando Alonso a clear-the-air text-message on the eve of this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.
The specialist magazine Auto Motor und Sport also quotes the 22-year-old rookie, who could wrap up his drivers' title with a win in Shanghai, as saying he then had a 'good conversation' with his Spanish colleague at the circuit on Thursday morning.
"I approached him and said thanks for the SMS," Alonso confirmed.
Hamilton also said he wishes Alonso 'all the best' for 2008, whether he is still a McLaren driver or switches to another team.
"If he is with us next year, then we will work the best way we can," the Briton added. "I get on with Fernando well, there is nothing wrong with us," he told reporters on Thursday.
"So I think for the future, wherever he is, we will get on well."
Alonso, however, was among swarms of Hamilton's fellow Grand Prix drivers in the Shanghai paddock who criticised his erratic driving behind the safety car a week ago.
The 26-year-old admitted that he saw Hamilton execute 'unnecessary manoeuvres' in the atrocious conditions, adding: "I overtook Lewis two or three times (behind the safety car), so it seems that we all agree.
Cliquez ici...
"
Alonso was wearing a chequered wristband in China on Thursday, moving some to observe that the Spaniard probably can't wait for the real black and white flag to wave on a highly controversial 2007 season.
"I am looking forward, no doubt," he admitted, but he refused to comment on speculation that he is interested in taking up Flavio Briatore's offer to return to Renault next year.
"When the championship finishes, we will see," he said. "This year I suffered more difficult moments than I expected."
Asked how much he is looking forward to the last lap of the last race in Brazil later this month, he smiled: "A lot."
Alonso also said he would not answer a 'difficult' question about whether he expects to be treated fairly by McLaren in China, where Hamilton could become only the second Briton to win a drivers' title for the team.
Read On:
After regularly criticising his team-mate a week ago in Japan, championship leader Lewis Hamilton sent Fernando Alonso a clear-the-air text-message on the eve of this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.
The specialist magazine Auto Motor und Sport also quotes the 22-year-old rookie, who could wrap up his drivers' title with a win in Shanghai, as saying he then had a 'good conversation' with his Spanish colleague at the circuit on Thursday morning.
"I approached him and said thanks for the SMS," Alonso confirmed.
Hamilton also said he wishes Alonso 'all the best' for 2008, whether he is still a McLaren driver or switches to another team.
"If he is with us next year, then we will work the best way we can," the Briton added. "I get on with Fernando well, there is nothing wrong with us," he told reporters on Thursday.
"So I think for the future, wherever he is, we will get on well."
Alonso, however, was among swarms of Hamilton's fellow Grand Prix drivers in the Shanghai paddock who criticised his erratic driving behind the safety car a week ago.
The 26-year-old admitted that he saw Hamilton execute 'unnecessary manoeuvres' in the atrocious conditions, adding: "I overtook Lewis two or three times (behind the safety car), so it seems that we all agree.
Cliquez ici...
"
Alonso was wearing a chequered wristband in China on Thursday, moving some to observe that the Spaniard probably can't wait for the real black and white flag to wave on a highly controversial 2007 season.
"I am looking forward, no doubt," he admitted, but he refused to comment on speculation that he is interested in taking up Flavio Briatore's offer to return to Renault next year.
"When the championship finishes, we will see," he said. "This year I suffered more difficult moments than I expected."
Asked how much he is looking forward to the last lap of the last race in Brazil later this month, he smiled: "A lot."
Alonso also said he would not answer a 'difficult' question about whether he expects to be treated fairly by McLaren in China, where Hamilton could become only the second Briton to win a drivers' title for the team.
Last edited by A.Wayne; 10-05-2007 at 03:53 PM.
10-06-2007, 11:59 AM
#620
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Alonso: I deserved more from McLaren
By Pablo Elizalde Saturday, October 6th 2007, 12:00 GMT
Fernando AlonsoWorld champion Fernando Alonso thinks he deserved to have been treated better by McLaren this season, as he angrily hit back at criticism from team boss Ron Dennis ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix.
Having already conceded that his championship hopes were finally all but over, and clearly feeling his chances will not be compromised by attacking the team, Alonso launched an extraordinary outburst against his treatment by McLaren when speaking to Spanish reporters after qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix.
"I was expecting a lot more, we all were," Alonso said. "From the outside, the team had a different image: serious, but very professional. And I arrived here after two titles; I improved the car as much as I could.
"Last year they were fighting to make it into Q3 and this year they are going to win the championship, and the truth is that the treatment has not been very good."
When asked if the treatment he received was that deserved by a two-time champion, Alonso said: "Not a double champion, but a normal person."
Alonso was also clearly unimpressed by claims from Dennis from earlier in the weekend, when the McLaren boss said he was disappointed by the Spaniard's failure to defend the team against suggestions of favouritism.
"It's better to be silent than to lie, that's for sure," said Alonso about Dennis' remarks. "And that's something he should do more often and I think the team would do better. Many of the scandals McLaren have been involved in off the track this year have been created by his things.
"Each one has his own philosophy, he has his, and we all understand it. I have spoken a lot with (David) Coulthard, with (Juan Pablo) Montoya, with Kimi (Raikkonen), and they have all left the team and found a lot of happiness. There must be a reason."
The double world champion, whose future at McLaren is already in doubt, was also critical of Dennis's policy of equality at the team, although the Spaniard made it clear he had not been promised preferential treatment when he joined the team.
"He (Dennis) didn't promise me anything," he said. "You are always hearing about that so called equality in the team, but tell me what you brag about and I'll tell you what you are lacking.
"It's impossible to have equality in a Formula One team, there's always a better engine, a better lap to stop in, there's always a better option.
"I'm not saying it's not equality, because sometimes it's one driver's turn and other times it's the other's, but you always hear him talk about that or promising things, and it's not like that."
Alonso, who has a contract with McLaren for the next two years but is increasingly unlikely to see out the deal, confessed he is unsure if he will be at the team in 2008.
"I don't know. What happens next year is another matter. All I know is that I have a contract here and we will see next year. There are 10 teams that could be interested in me.
"I'm ready to do the best I can, to help the team, to have a good car and try to win races. But they ... things like what they say or do, or days like at Spa, or all the lies that they leak to the press, both British and German, to go against me. That, inside my own team...They have to do something to improve the situation."
The double champion conceded, however, that teammate Lewis Hamilton will be a worthy champion if he becomes the first rookie to win the title.
"I think so, I think he deserves it if he wins it in the end," Alonso added. "I think you have to know how to win and how to lose, and if I don't win this year it's because someone has scored more points than me, and if that's the case it's because he has done a better job."
Alonso will start tomorrow's Chinese Grand Prix from fourth place while Hamilton secured his sixth pole of the season. The British driver needs to finish ahead of Alonso and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen to clinch the title.
Fernando AlonsoWorld champion Fernando Alonso thinks he deserved to have been treated better by McLaren this season, as he angrily hit back at criticism from team boss Ron Dennis ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix.
Having already conceded that his championship hopes were finally all but over, and clearly feeling his chances will not be compromised by attacking the team, Alonso launched an extraordinary outburst against his treatment by McLaren when speaking to Spanish reporters after qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix.
"I was expecting a lot more, we all were," Alonso said. "From the outside, the team had a different image: serious, but very professional. And I arrived here after two titles; I improved the car as much as I could.
"Last year they were fighting to make it into Q3 and this year they are going to win the championship, and the truth is that the treatment has not been very good."
When asked if the treatment he received was that deserved by a two-time champion, Alonso said: "Not a double champion, but a normal person."
Alonso was also clearly unimpressed by claims from Dennis from earlier in the weekend, when the McLaren boss said he was disappointed by the Spaniard's failure to defend the team against suggestions of favouritism.
"It's better to be silent than to lie, that's for sure," said Alonso about Dennis' remarks. "And that's something he should do more often and I think the team would do better. Many of the scandals McLaren have been involved in off the track this year have been created by his things.
"Each one has his own philosophy, he has his, and we all understand it. I have spoken a lot with (David) Coulthard, with (Juan Pablo) Montoya, with Kimi (Raikkonen), and they have all left the team and found a lot of happiness. There must be a reason."
The double world champion, whose future at McLaren is already in doubt, was also critical of Dennis's policy of equality at the team, although the Spaniard made it clear he had not been promised preferential treatment when he joined the team.
"He (Dennis) didn't promise me anything," he said. "You are always hearing about that so called equality in the team, but tell me what you brag about and I'll tell you what you are lacking.
"It's impossible to have equality in a Formula One team, there's always a better engine, a better lap to stop in, there's always a better option.
"I'm not saying it's not equality, because sometimes it's one driver's turn and other times it's the other's, but you always hear him talk about that or promising things, and it's not like that."
Alonso, who has a contract with McLaren for the next two years but is increasingly unlikely to see out the deal, confessed he is unsure if he will be at the team in 2008.
"I don't know. What happens next year is another matter. All I know is that I have a contract here and we will see next year. There are 10 teams that could be interested in me.
"I'm ready to do the best I can, to help the team, to have a good car and try to win races. But they ... things like what they say or do, or days like at Spa, or all the lies that they leak to the press, both British and German, to go against me. That, inside my own team...They have to do something to improve the situation."
The double champion conceded, however, that teammate Lewis Hamilton will be a worthy champion if he becomes the first rookie to win the title.
"I think so, I think he deserves it if he wins it in the end," Alonso added. "I think you have to know how to win and how to lose, and if I don't win this year it's because someone has scored more points than me, and if that's the case it's because he has done a better job."
Alonso will start tomorrow's Chinese Grand Prix from fourth place while Hamilton secured his sixth pole of the season. The British driver needs to finish ahead of Alonso and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen to clinch the title.
10-06-2007, 01:34 PM
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"I was expecting a lot more, we all were," Alonso said. "From the outside, the team had a different image: serious, but very professional. And I arrived here after two titles; I improved the car as much as I could.
"Last year they were fighting to make it into Q3 and this year they are going to win the championship, and the truth is that the treatment has not been very good."
Thank God, Alo was there to help McLaren build a faster, more reliable car......
"Last year they were fighting to make it into Q3 and this year they are going to win the championship, and the truth is that the treatment has not been very good."
Thank God, Alo was there to help McLaren build a faster, more reliable car......
10-07-2007, 10:47 AM
#622
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Alonso expects McLaren equality in Brazil
By Pablo Elizalde Sunday, October 7th 2007, 12:34 GMT
Fernando AlonsoWorld champion Fernando Alonso is convinced that his McLaren team will give both him and Lewis Hamilton the same opportunities in the championship-deciding race in Brazil.
The Spanish driver took second place in the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday to keep his championship hopes alive following the retirement of Hamilton.
Alonso is now four points behind the Briton with just the Interlagos race left.
The two-time champion could not have expected such a turnaround after Hamilton dominated the first part of the race from pole position.
Alonso had qualified in fourth place over six tenths behind Hamilton, a result that left him angry. Later on, the Spaniard launched a scathing attack against McLaren and team boss Ron Dennis.
But despite his deteriorating relationship with the team, Alonso expects McLaren to play fair in the final race of the year, although he made it clear he thinks the British squad would prefer Hamilton to win the title.
"I'm sure there's going to be equality," Alonso told Spanish reporters after the race. "One thing is how they feel, what they say about me, but what they do on track is a different thing, and usually they have had two cars that are exactly same, capable of fighting for victory.
"And that's what I think will happen in Brazil, so everything will be up to me.
"The second half of the season has been difficult and it still is, but I think in the end the two cars will be the same. They are going to give us both the same opportunities, I think we need to make that clear.
"There's no problem there, but we know they are never going to have favourable feelings towards me."
He added: "I hope both cars will be the same, and that we can have a good qualifying and that everything that happened here was just a coincidence and we can fight for pole in Brazil, which would be the only chance to fight for victory. If you are not on pole or in the first row, it's almost over."
Despite being in a better mood than yesterday, Alonso reiterated his criticism of the team.
"Yesterday I did not say anything that is not true," he added. "The team has been saying many bad things about me, from Spa onwards especially, so the relationship didn't change too much.
"He (Dennis) was the first one to say that he was not speaking with me and things like that. From that point, I understood that the championship was not going to be easy for me."
Fernando AlonsoWorld champion Fernando Alonso is convinced that his McLaren team will give both him and Lewis Hamilton the same opportunities in the championship-deciding race in Brazil.
The Spanish driver took second place in the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday to keep his championship hopes alive following the retirement of Hamilton.
Alonso is now four points behind the Briton with just the Interlagos race left.
The two-time champion could not have expected such a turnaround after Hamilton dominated the first part of the race from pole position.
Alonso had qualified in fourth place over six tenths behind Hamilton, a result that left him angry. Later on, the Spaniard launched a scathing attack against McLaren and team boss Ron Dennis.
But despite his deteriorating relationship with the team, Alonso expects McLaren to play fair in the final race of the year, although he made it clear he thinks the British squad would prefer Hamilton to win the title.
"I'm sure there's going to be equality," Alonso told Spanish reporters after the race. "One thing is how they feel, what they say about me, but what they do on track is a different thing, and usually they have had two cars that are exactly same, capable of fighting for victory.
"And that's what I think will happen in Brazil, so everything will be up to me.
"The second half of the season has been difficult and it still is, but I think in the end the two cars will be the same. They are going to give us both the same opportunities, I think we need to make that clear.
"There's no problem there, but we know they are never going to have favourable feelings towards me."
He added: "I hope both cars will be the same, and that we can have a good qualifying and that everything that happened here was just a coincidence and we can fight for pole in Brazil, which would be the only chance to fight for victory. If you are not on pole or in the first row, it's almost over."
Despite being in a better mood than yesterday, Alonso reiterated his criticism of the team.
"Yesterday I did not say anything that is not true," he added. "The team has been saying many bad things about me, from Spa onwards especially, so the relationship didn't change too much.
"He (Dennis) was the first one to say that he was not speaking with me and things like that. From that point, I understood that the championship was not going to be easy for me."
Last edited by A.Wayne; 10-07-2007 at 11:19 AM.
10-08-2007, 01:51 AM
#624
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Alonso title Hopes still Alive
http://www.tsn.ca/auto_racing/news_s...me=auto_racing
Fernando Alonso said he needed a miracle to keep his Formula One title hopes alive and the Spaniard got the break he needed Sunday to push the championship fight to the final race of the season.
Lewis Hamilton, who had dominated the opening stages of the Chinese Grand Prix in wet conditions, ran wide at the entrance of the pit lane on lap 31 and became stuck in the gravel trap, ending his chances of his clinching the title in Shanghai.
Afterwards, McLaren officials said it was their fault for keeping Hamilton out on the track too long on deteriorating tires.
"I think with hindsight we left him out a lap too long and I think his tires were pretty worn," team CEO Martin Whitmarsh told ITV. "The weather was pretty changeable at that time and we wanted to make sure that we weren't taking any risks and that we had to cover Kimi.
Related Info
"For Lewis it was a very disappointing day, but for Fernando he is very much in the championship fight. It is going to be a very tense Brazil."
Hamilton's first DNF of the season gave new life to both Kimi Raikkonen and Alonso, who went on to finish one-two and create a three-way championship fight heading into the season ending race in Brazil in two weeks time.
"We were having a great race and we didn't know if it was going to rain or not," Hamilton told ITV. "The tires were getting worse and worse and you could almost see the canvas underneath. When I came into the pits it was like ice, I couldn't do anything about it.
"You cannot go through life without making mistakes. But I am over it and we look forward to Brazil."
Even Alonso admitted afterwards it might be too much to ask for a second miracle in Brazil.
"It will still be very difficult for the championship. I know that it will not be easy to take the four points off Lewis. I still need something really dramatic if I want to win. With a normal race it will be impossible."
For Raikkonen it was his 14th career win, moving him into second place among active drivers on the all-time list behind Alonso. It was also Ferrari's 200th career Grand Prix victory.
"(Alonso) was pushing hard," Raikkonen admitted. "He was catching me at first while I had some problems with the front tires but once they started to work I could keep the gap the same. We're back in the championship and it will be interesting in the last race."
Felipe Massa rounded out the podium in third, helping Ferrari score its 600th podium result in F1 competition.
Youngster Sebastien Vettel recorded his second point scoring result of the season, posting a career best fourth place result despite starting 17th because of a penalty.
It was a good day for the Toro Rosso squad as Vitantonio Liuzzi finished sixth - his best career result. That also moves the Red Bull sister squad ahead of rival Spyker, Honda and Super Aguri in the constructors standings and it means every team has scored at least one point this season.
Jenson Button finished sixth for the embattled Honda team - their best result of the season.
Nick Heidfeld in the BMW-Sauber was seventh while David Coulthard held off Heikki Kovalainen to finish eighth.
Coulthard's single point allowed Red Bull to move to within four points of Williams in the constructors chase. Both Alexander Wurz and Nico Rosberg finished out of the points for the Grove-based team. Wurz was 12th while Rosberg ended a dismal weekend in 16th.
Fernando Alonso said he needed a miracle to keep his Formula One title hopes alive and the Spaniard got the break he needed Sunday to push the championship fight to the final race of the season.
Lewis Hamilton, who had dominated the opening stages of the Chinese Grand Prix in wet conditions, ran wide at the entrance of the pit lane on lap 31 and became stuck in the gravel trap, ending his chances of his clinching the title in Shanghai.
Afterwards, McLaren officials said it was their fault for keeping Hamilton out on the track too long on deteriorating tires.
"I think with hindsight we left him out a lap too long and I think his tires were pretty worn," team CEO Martin Whitmarsh told ITV. "The weather was pretty changeable at that time and we wanted to make sure that we weren't taking any risks and that we had to cover Kimi.
Related Info
"For Lewis it was a very disappointing day, but for Fernando he is very much in the championship fight. It is going to be a very tense Brazil."
Hamilton's first DNF of the season gave new life to both Kimi Raikkonen and Alonso, who went on to finish one-two and create a three-way championship fight heading into the season ending race in Brazil in two weeks time.
"We were having a great race and we didn't know if it was going to rain or not," Hamilton told ITV. "The tires were getting worse and worse and you could almost see the canvas underneath. When I came into the pits it was like ice, I couldn't do anything about it.
"You cannot go through life without making mistakes. But I am over it and we look forward to Brazil."
Even Alonso admitted afterwards it might be too much to ask for a second miracle in Brazil.
"It will still be very difficult for the championship. I know that it will not be easy to take the four points off Lewis. I still need something really dramatic if I want to win. With a normal race it will be impossible."
For Raikkonen it was his 14th career win, moving him into second place among active drivers on the all-time list behind Alonso. It was also Ferrari's 200th career Grand Prix victory.
"(Alonso) was pushing hard," Raikkonen admitted. "He was catching me at first while I had some problems with the front tires but once they started to work I could keep the gap the same. We're back in the championship and it will be interesting in the last race."
Felipe Massa rounded out the podium in third, helping Ferrari score its 600th podium result in F1 competition.
Youngster Sebastien Vettel recorded his second point scoring result of the season, posting a career best fourth place result despite starting 17th because of a penalty.
It was a good day for the Toro Rosso squad as Vitantonio Liuzzi finished sixth - his best career result. That also moves the Red Bull sister squad ahead of rival Spyker, Honda and Super Aguri in the constructors standings and it means every team has scored at least one point this season.
Jenson Button finished sixth for the embattled Honda team - their best result of the season.
Nick Heidfeld in the BMW-Sauber was seventh while David Coulthard held off Heikki Kovalainen to finish eighth.
Coulthard's single point allowed Red Bull to move to within four points of Williams in the constructors chase. Both Alexander Wurz and Nico Rosberg finished out of the points for the Grove-based team. Wurz was 12th while Rosberg ended a dismal weekend in 16th.
10-08-2007, 01:59 AM
#625
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Alonso has history on his side
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Fernando Alonso has history on his side, even if the Spaniard suspects McLaren team bosses are against him in his battle to win a third Formula One championship in a row.
Team mate Lewis Hamilton remains the title favourite despite a Chinese Grand Prix that dealt the 22-year-old rookie his first retirement of the season after leading from pole position.
The Briton's agonising slip, while limping back on worn tyres, into the gravel trap at the pit lane entry transformed what had looked like a cruise to the championship into a three-way fight down to the wire.
Hamilton will now head for the final race in Brazil on Oct. 21 with 107 points to Alonso's 103 and 100 for Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.
"You can't go through life without making mistakes, I'm over it. I know the team is working very hard to make sure we can bounce back in Brazil," said Hamilton, who can still become the first rookie champion as well as the youngest.
"But don't worry there's still one race to go in Brazil, I can still do it."
Alonso, who finished second on Sunday behind Raikkonen, sounded less optimistic about his chances after an angry weekend in which he aimed some heavy criticism at his team.
"Hopefully I can do a good race (in Brazil) but for the championship, I still need something really dramatic if I want to win. With a normal race, it will be impossible," he said.
History suggests there is a better chance of that happening than he imagines.
The last time three drivers were in with a chance of the title at the last race was 1986, when Hamilton's compatriot Nigel Mansell led Frenchman Alain Prost and Brazilian Nelson Piquet before the Adelaide finale.
Prost won the title after Mansell's tyre exploded.
Of the eight occasions since 1950 on which the title battle has gone down to the wire as a three-way fight, only three have seen the driver leading the championship before the final race go on to become champion.
In four of those showdowns, the glory has ultimately gone to the man who had been in second place.
Alonso has won both his previous titles, with Renault, at Interlagos while Hamilton has no previous knowledge of the circuit -- although that is no big obstacle since he has won three times this year at unfamiliar tracks.
It is easier to hunt than be hunted, however, and Hamilton will have to live with the torment of Shanghai for the next two weeks before he has a chance to put matters right.
Mental strength and resilience will be crucial against two experienced rivals who will feel they have nothing to lose and will be trying to exploit every psychological advantage as the deciding day approaches.
Hamilton knows a win at Interlagos ends all argument but fourth place would also be enough if Raikkonen were to lead Ferrari to a one-two finish.
Both Hamilton and Alonso, who may be leaving the team after Brazil, expect McLaren to give them equal cars and treatment. But there can be little doubt about who the team would rather see win their first title since 1999.
"We weren't racing Kimi, we were basically racing Fernando," McLaren boss Ron Dennis said on Sunday in explaining the team's delay to bring Hamilton in for new tyres.
Fernando Alonso has history on his side, even if the Spaniard suspects McLaren team bosses are against him in his battle to win a third Formula One championship in a row.
Team mate Lewis Hamilton remains the title favourite despite a Chinese Grand Prix that dealt the 22-year-old rookie his first retirement of the season after leading from pole position.
The Briton's agonising slip, while limping back on worn tyres, into the gravel trap at the pit lane entry transformed what had looked like a cruise to the championship into a three-way fight down to the wire.
Hamilton will now head for the final race in Brazil on Oct. 21 with 107 points to Alonso's 103 and 100 for Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.
"You can't go through life without making mistakes, I'm over it. I know the team is working very hard to make sure we can bounce back in Brazil," said Hamilton, who can still become the first rookie champion as well as the youngest.
"But don't worry there's still one race to go in Brazil, I can still do it."
Alonso, who finished second on Sunday behind Raikkonen, sounded less optimistic about his chances after an angry weekend in which he aimed some heavy criticism at his team.
"Hopefully I can do a good race (in Brazil) but for the championship, I still need something really dramatic if I want to win. With a normal race, it will be impossible," he said.
History suggests there is a better chance of that happening than he imagines.
The last time three drivers were in with a chance of the title at the last race was 1986, when Hamilton's compatriot Nigel Mansell led Frenchman Alain Prost and Brazilian Nelson Piquet before the Adelaide finale.
Prost won the title after Mansell's tyre exploded.
Of the eight occasions since 1950 on which the title battle has gone down to the wire as a three-way fight, only three have seen the driver leading the championship before the final race go on to become champion.
In four of those showdowns, the glory has ultimately gone to the man who had been in second place.
Alonso has won both his previous titles, with Renault, at Interlagos while Hamilton has no previous knowledge of the circuit -- although that is no big obstacle since he has won three times this year at unfamiliar tracks.
It is easier to hunt than be hunted, however, and Hamilton will have to live with the torment of Shanghai for the next two weeks before he has a chance to put matters right.
Mental strength and resilience will be crucial against two experienced rivals who will feel they have nothing to lose and will be trying to exploit every psychological advantage as the deciding day approaches.
Hamilton knows a win at Interlagos ends all argument but fourth place would also be enough if Raikkonen were to lead Ferrari to a one-two finish.
Both Hamilton and Alonso, who may be leaving the team after Brazil, expect McLaren to give them equal cars and treatment. But there can be little doubt about who the team would rather see win their first title since 1999.
"We weren't racing Kimi, we were basically racing Fernando," McLaren boss Ron Dennis said on Sunday in explaining the team's delay to bring Hamilton in for new tyres.
10-08-2007, 02:16 AM
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Hamilton knows a win at Interlagos ends all argument but fourth place would also be enough if Raikkonen were to lead Ferrari to a one-two finish.
and a 2nd place is enough for hamilton to end all arguments.
Last edited by Nano; 10-08-2007 at 03:03 AM.
10-08-2007, 11:16 AM
#627
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McLaren won't rush Alonso decision
This is Funny, Of course if Alonso wins the WDC, they might just want to keep him @ Mclaren . Based on this report, FA is the only one mud slinging, RD and Mclaren are such victims........
By Jonathan Noble and Steve Cooper Monday, October 8th 2007, 09:36 GMT
McLaren boss Ron Dennis insists he will not be making any decisions about Fernando Alonso's future at the team until after the end of the season, despite the extraordinary outburst by the Spaniard at last weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.
Alonso launched an open attack on his treatment by the team to Spanish journalists after qualifying, claiming he deserved more from the outfit and that Dennis was wrong to criticise him for remaining silent about suggestions of favouritism with the team.
"It's better to be silent than to lie, that's for sure," said Alonso about Dennis' remarks. "And that's something he should do more often and I think the team would do better. Many of the scandals McLaren have been involved in off the track this year have been created by his things.
"Each one has his own philosophy, he has his, and we all understand it. I have spoken a lot with (David) Coulthard, with (Juan Pablo) Montoya, with Kimi (Raikkonen), and they have all left the team and found a lot of happiness. There must be a reason."
Alonso's comments were his most outspoken criticisms of the team and Dennis so far this year, and fuelled speculation that the Spaniard will not be remaining at the team beyond the end of the year.
But Dennis has made it clear that Alonso's remarks will not force him to rush into making a decision for 2008, with him sticking to his plan to discuss the situation only once the season has finished.
"We'll address the issue of drivers in respect of 2008 after Brazil," said Dennis when asked to comment on Alonso's remarks.
"We've said that all the way along. We've got binding contracts with both drivers and until any dialogue is opened up after the next race, that's the way it will remain."
By Jonathan Noble and Steve Cooper Monday, October 8th 2007, 09:36 GMT
McLaren boss Ron Dennis insists he will not be making any decisions about Fernando Alonso's future at the team until after the end of the season, despite the extraordinary outburst by the Spaniard at last weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.
Alonso launched an open attack on his treatment by the team to Spanish journalists after qualifying, claiming he deserved more from the outfit and that Dennis was wrong to criticise him for remaining silent about suggestions of favouritism with the team.
"It's better to be silent than to lie, that's for sure," said Alonso about Dennis' remarks. "And that's something he should do more often and I think the team would do better. Many of the scandals McLaren have been involved in off the track this year have been created by his things.
"Each one has his own philosophy, he has his, and we all understand it. I have spoken a lot with (David) Coulthard, with (Juan Pablo) Montoya, with Kimi (Raikkonen), and they have all left the team and found a lot of happiness. There must be a reason."
Alonso's comments were his most outspoken criticisms of the team and Dennis so far this year, and fuelled speculation that the Spaniard will not be remaining at the team beyond the end of the year.
But Dennis has made it clear that Alonso's remarks will not force him to rush into making a decision for 2008, with him sticking to his plan to discuss the situation only once the season has finished.
"We'll address the issue of drivers in respect of 2008 after Brazil," said Dennis when asked to comment on Alonso's remarks.
"We've said that all the way along. We've got binding contracts with both drivers and until any dialogue is opened up after the next race, that's the way it will remain."
10-08-2007, 11:49 AM
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http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels24/N...197382,00.html
Alonso kicks down McLaren office door
07/10/2007 11:03
So furious was reigning world champion Fernando Alonso after qualifying fourth in Shanghai on Saturday that he kicked down a door in McLaren's circuit offices.
Mostly Spanish media sources cited wild conspiracy theories including doctored tyre pressures and temperatures for the McLaren driver, who nonetheless kept his hopes alive for the world championship by finishing second on Sunday while his British teammate Lewis Hamilton retired.
The 26-year-old, however, verbally wrote off his championship chances following qualifying before requiring a carpenter to be called to repair the damage he caused to a room at the Shanghai circuit.
Alonso also used a different helmet for the penultimate grand prix, after smashing his qualifying-spec lid on the floor of the garage on Saturday.
Alonso kicks down McLaren office door
07/10/2007 11:03
So furious was reigning world champion Fernando Alonso after qualifying fourth in Shanghai on Saturday that he kicked down a door in McLaren's circuit offices.
Mostly Spanish media sources cited wild conspiracy theories including doctored tyre pressures and temperatures for the McLaren driver, who nonetheless kept his hopes alive for the world championship by finishing second on Sunday while his British teammate Lewis Hamilton retired.
The 26-year-old, however, verbally wrote off his championship chances following qualifying before requiring a carpenter to be called to repair the damage he caused to a room at the Shanghai circuit.
Alonso also used a different helmet for the penultimate grand prix, after smashing his qualifying-spec lid on the floor of the garage on Saturday.
10-08-2007, 11:51 AM
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And another one.
http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels24/N...197897,00.html
Alonso title would be a 'joke'
08/10/2007 10:35
Niki Lauda says he would prefer if Fernando Alonso did not win a third consecutive world championship in 2007.
The Austrian legend, who won three titles in his own F1 career, referred to Spaniard Alonso's now openly acerbic relationship with his team boss Ron Dennis.
Contemplating that Alonso could ****** the title from his rookie McLaren teammate Lewis Hamilton in Brazil in two weeks, 58-year-old Lauda told the Swiss newspaper Blick, "It would be a joke."
"For weeks Alonso has behaved so badly with his team that he has hardly any friends or supporters left."
http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels24/N...197897,00.html
Alonso title would be a 'joke'
08/10/2007 10:35
Niki Lauda says he would prefer if Fernando Alonso did not win a third consecutive world championship in 2007.
The Austrian legend, who won three titles in his own F1 career, referred to Spaniard Alonso's now openly acerbic relationship with his team boss Ron Dennis.
Contemplating that Alonso could ****** the title from his rookie McLaren teammate Lewis Hamilton in Brazil in two weeks, 58-year-old Lauda told the Swiss newspaper Blick, "It would be a joke."
"For weeks Alonso has behaved so badly with his team that he has hardly any friends or supporters left."