One more good read for the morning... I just hope its true. Just read this on yahoo... Briatore urges Alonso back to Renault Mon 24 Sep, 02:07 PM Flavio Briatore has urged Fernando Alonso and McLaren to part company ahead of the 2008 season. Amid intense speculation that Renault and Ferrari may now be in a bidding war to secure the services of the disgruntled Spaniard in 2008, Briatore recalled his team's successful collaboration with Alonso between 2002 and last year that netted back to back drivers' titles. Asked about the 26-year-old's seemingly untenable relationship with McLaren boss Ron Dennis at present, Italian Briatore told Sport Auto: "That is healthy neither for the team nor the driver. "We have our own way of dealing with drivers. With us, Fernando simply got along well. Perhaps that is what is missing with him at McLaren." Renault's 2008 driver line-up announcement is now long overdue, and Briatore said he is still not ready to give anything away. "We are a little bit late," he admitted, "but I am not in a hurry either. "At the moment we are still considering what the best driver formation for us will look like." Briatore is keen, however, to put the disappointment of this year behind Renault and return to the competitiveness of the Alonso era. "The team is exactly the same," he said, "and they have not forgotten how to build a winning car. We know now what is wrong with the (2007) car. We know the tyres better. I have a good feeling." He said Renault's full concentration has been on the 2008 single seater for some time now. "For the last two months we have changed practically nothing on the current car because I want a guarantee that in 2008 we are back at the front. "There will not be any excuses then," Briatore said.
It will be interesting to see what arrangement Mclaren and Alonso make to terminate the contract early. Probably big money for Alonso....?
Hey Fernando, more like big money for McLaren, after all the $100 Mil would sting any company regardless of size.
Flavio needs Alonso to sort out the new car. Just as we saw FA wearing a white suit in a silver car without sponsor markings last year before the end of December. History repeats itself.
It would seem that a majority of Fchatters(that support Ferrari) do not want this doorknob behind the wheel of a Ferrari next season. If Ferrari were to grab him they would loose many a fan and gain many a whinners. I doubt he will be with Ferrari next season.
I think you will see a decision by all involved after Japan. As much as Alonso irritated Ron Dennis, so did Hamilton. I doubt if Hamilton gets rid of his father. Who is worth more to the sponsors, Alonso or Hamilton? So I can see RD frustrated enough to dump Hamilton, who will be offered too many $$ to go to Toyota. Its a complete crapshoot at the moment.
Ah yes, and the fair weather Tiffosi (or so they call themselves) would be revealed. I've pulled for Ferrari in good and bad, with drives I've liked (Prost, Alesi, Arnoux, Kimi, Mansell...) and with drivers I haven't liked all that well (Schumacher, Johansson, Albaretto, Massa...). Alonso isn't my favorite driver and I really don't like the guy but, he's the fastest guy out there and would be a good choice for the seat. I have my favorite drivers and I have my favorite teams. Sometimes I get lucky and my fav drivers wind up at my fav teams and sometimes I'm torn as one winds up beating the other. A driver selection couldnt stop me from pulling for Ferrari. The whoring out of the "brand"... well that's a different matter. A Ferrari theme park probably will make me walk away.
It is amazing how our driver preferences are alike. But: A Ferrari theme park probably will make me walk to Abu Dhabi and Dubai one day. Well, maybe fly, but still. I'm thinking "Galleria" in the desert. Nothing wrong with that IMHO.
+1 Excellent post. Can't make enough cars, might as well Tart up a Reputation, wonder how Enzo would have handled it?
+1 Same here Lewis in a ferrari, This would be the greatest moment since Mona Lisa walked into the studio and said, I'm feeling a little odd today."
Little extreme there, but I will concede that I'd also hate to see Hamilton, Dennis' wonderchild, in a Ferrari. Alonso is even worse! Keep 'em both away from the red, please.
I don't think we have to worry of LH getting a Ferrari seat for a wile. I mean come on! He was breastfed Mobil1 in a McLaren Stroller by Ron Denis personally.
I still don't see why people hate LH, he is a kid yeah, but he has done nothing wrong or as bad as Alonshole. I think he is a great driver and that he has had to deal with a lot of drama, (much more then most drivers) and he has still shown he is a great driver. Just like any other driver they have to start some place, and you know very well if you were in his shoes you would have taken any ride even at McLaren just to get your career started. I know Alonshole fans want to see him at Ferrari, but for those of us who don't who would you rather see in red other then the current drivers?
I think Alonso going to Renault would be his best move. If they are willing to rebuild the team around him again, that would be the ideal place to go. If he were to stay at McLaren, he'll always have issues with Hamilton, even if McLaren says Alonso has "#1 status", because Lewis has "#1 status" mentality. The only way it could work at Ferrari would be if he were to partner Massa, since Kimi is a "#1 status" driver as well.
