Alonso's fate gets complicated

Andreas, Steve, and Ted, what a thread, I just finished reading it. Just wanted to tell you three guys I agree 100% and I think personally he will take a year off and be in the second Ferrari seat. One more thing, I liked Alonso quite a bit until he decided to blackmail Ron Dennis, but at the sametime, I think Dennis was a fool not to make a 2x WDC feel at least for the first season as the Number one driver. Lewis will get his chance.

 

If Alonso really has got a Ferrari deal in place for 2009, my only concern is that although it has been posted he is pals with KR I dont see a raced honed Kimi in a team he has made his own taking FA on with any relish/pleasure, as we all know FA likes No1 status and it might not be a plain sailing. FA will be there to win thats a cert, Kimi may have peaked and be happy with his lot and rolls with it certainly interesting though..

 

+1 Tony I agree cant make my mind up whether he will take a year off though I know MS doesnt appear rusty, but FA a year out of a fast moving sport could be risky..

 

i wonder if all this Renault spy saga thing is over, will he have enough time to test and develop next year's car?

 

BS

 

lol +1

Not trying to be argumentative, but I had also heard that he was overrated as a developmental driver. Again, not disagreeing, I have just heard otherwise.

 

Right, Massa's faster.

tools needed _to have a chance_ ... 07 didn't demonstrate anything beyond

15-20 mil is nothing in the big scheme of things, but
if Massa's #2 now then Kimi would be a #2 with Alonso on the team.
Neither scenario makes sense as neither driver has dominated the other.

 

Funny stories I heard today:

1) Alonso is a development driver.

Are we talking about real estate? "Cause not at Renault he wasn't, Flavio has stated that Giancarlo was kept for 2007 because he did most of the development work for the 2005/2006 car, not Fred. Just as he contributed nothing at McLaren until he and Pedro were handed the Ferrari dossier.

2) Alonso and Raikkonen get along like brothers.

Brothers kill each other and steal other's wives. Where in hell did anyone hear such a ludicrous story? Kimi has no real friends in F1, he has a group of very close friends that have more conncection to snowmobiles than F1 cars. He disappears after his required visits with Ferrari, and plays with his good friends. Which do not include any Spaniards.

3) Alonso will replace Massa at Ferrari in 2009.

Well this could be a remote possiblity. But only if Kimi is gone also. Ferrari will not allow two drivers of Raikkonen's and Alonso's status together again, a lesson learned from Ferrari's past and McLaren's present.

 

Its your contention then that he has a shot at the WDC for 2008?

Nobody who says that is willing to put any money on it. Are you?

 

+1 Very plausible, and it's not over.

As you say Massa's all car

 

Why would Kimi retire??

He's 28 years old and World Champ.

 

Feelin' ok big guy???

I think you raised a great point here, and the point made by hgentile is great too. I would highly doubt Alonso has a signed contract with Ferrari for 2009.

I would guess at the MOST it may be an OPTION for Ferrari. And I would think that it would only get exercised if Kimi performed very badly in 2008, OR if Kimi decided to retire after 2008, both of which I don't see happening. I think Alonso will end up at Renault in 2008 if they dont get hammered by the FIA. If they do, I think he will be at RBR or maybe Honda. He will not do well there - he will outperform his teammate but the car won't be a WCC contender, and all of a sudden his 2xWDC will seem less impressive, especially so if Kimi wins in 08. KIMI would be the hot guy to have as a driver, not Fernando at that point, IMO.

So, we shall see... I don't think Alonso will be nearly as highly regarded in 09 as he is in 08 or 07. His stock is falling, Kimis (and others) is rising. That will only serve to reduce the competitiveness of the drives he gets.

But we'll see!

 

And beyond? You gotta be kidding.
Alonso's 07 behaviour was commensurate with McL's handling of the situation
- I think it was more than just competition.
And in the end I think he had the last smile.

Without knowing where he is in 08 it's not a bet.
For now, I'll put money on Massa.

 

He's too cool ... something related to that.

 

i think you need to read fonzos comments about kimi again... I am sure your knowledge comes from reading and nothing else... Btw the picture says it all.

 

It's Kimpossible to answer but I'll try.

Kimi has heard that some on this forum do not like him, so he's taking his millions and going home to Finland where people appreciate him.

 

Don't forget we still have a bet going as to which one will score more points in 2008 barring injury or missed races, Kimi or Massa. My money's still on the Kimster

 

I miss the days when Fred's fate looked bad because of moments like this...
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

No, I think his statement was correct before you twisted his words. IMO, FA's 07 WDC loss was mostly due to the result of his "behavior", not just his performance and judging by FA's past "behavior", it's very plausible to think that FA's behavior could cause problems with a future team and any more WDC's .

There are some who believe that it's easier to win WDC's when there's little or no competition. I'm just saying that I've heard that statement somewhere before, that's all...

If FA's WDC performance is so 'rock solid' and his behavior is irrelevent, then why didn't he win a 3rd WDC in 07? You don't think that his behavior or the sudden appearence of a full season of competition had anything to do with it do you??

I believe FA is is an excellent driver, definately one of the best on the grid. However, IMHO, I think that if his past and present behavior continues, he will not see any future WDC's because I don't believe his driving performance alone can get hime there.

As always though...time will tell. It's going to be VERY interesting to see how the next few seasons unfold. I can't wait!

PS. sorry for any spelling errors...it's very late and I'm very tired

 

IMO, I think FA's "old team's" desire for his return are better described by that old saying..."desperate times call for desperate measures"

 

+1

 

Is Rubens? He did more in the Ferrari than Massa did...where is he now?

 

Done. Name your price.

 

Wasn't that a year where Alonso beat Schumacher to the World title? There weren't many moments like the one you have pictured that year.