Alonso signs for Ferrari........

......and The end of the World is nigh.........

MAY 24, 2008
Alonso signs for Ferrari
© grandprix.com

The word in the F1 paddock in Monte Carlo is that Fernando Alonso has just inked a deal to drive for Ferrari in 2010.

No confirmation is expected for a year, and there may be denials of any arrangement, as there would obviously be some serious knock-on effects for other parties in the F1 paddock.

Alonso went to Renault this year after splitting with McLaren unexpectedly at the end of last season. It was a stop-gap solution for the Spaniard, although it was dressed up as the big return to the team with which he won his two World Championships. This year the team's performance has been rather disappointing and Fernando has scored just nine points, while Nelson Piquet has failed to score and the team is languishing in seventh place in the Constructors' Championship. Unless there is a dramatic improvement soon the team will have no hope of finishing the year better than fourth in the championship and there have been rumours for some time that ING may be looking around at other opportunities.

Fernando has made no secret of the fact that he will consider other offers if they are sensible. He has been angling for a ride at Ferrari for some time. It may seem that is a rather premature move, but these days in F1 deals are being done much earlier than used to be the case. Kimi Raikkonen's deal with Ferrari, which began in 2007, was first reported as being done as early as October 2005. Alonso's 2007 deal with McLaren was announced in December 2005. Thus now would be the time that deals are being done for 2010.


(OR, maybe this is just a belated April Fools joke.........)

 

No surpise there, if true..

 

So who's leaving? Massa or Kimi?

 

The Dutch F1 commentator today talked about the same rumour. I noticed lately that Massa and Alonso are quite friendly towards eachother while Massa and Kimi hardly acknowledge eachother after qualifying etc. So maybe a Massa-Alonso pairing in 2010?

 

Now I wish they hadn't banned Franco........

 

Alonso and Massa have always been pretty friendly. Even after thier little thing last year Alonso basically apologised to Felipe who wasn't trying to have it at the time, lol.

 

Everybody step away from the ledge Its only a rumor and even if it has basis a lot can happen between now and 2010.

 

+1

 

Bad move IMO:.
Alonso was a jerk at Mclarean an Ferrari 1-2 this week. The team is fine the way it is. Also where would Kimi go I would imange he doesn't want to leave Ferrari

 

Well I heard it will be FA & LH.

 

FA HA driving for TaTa? (see related post )

 

I thought when Kimi signed with Ferrari he indicated that at the end of his contract in 2009, he would likely retire. Now that he has won the championship, that may make it more likely. He could then devote more time to partying.

 

He's back mate..

 

Yay!!!

 

LOL brillant..

 

I consider this actually bad news: 2010 is a year too late. Bummer.

 

Yeah, that pesky Massa just won't go quietly

 

Not sure about Ted though, he may self inflict his own Ban after Massa's pole..

No offence Ted, your a great sport IMO.

 

I'm a bit surprised by that myself, Massa himself said he didn't like the track too much.

 

He's not as bad as some people think and is on a roll. He's a great qualifier. I hope he wins too and maybe even WDC 2008!

 

He said several times that he reached his goal of becoming WDC and is only there for the fun, so to say. Seems he'll be leaving F1 after this season if he doesn't change his mind.

 

Dont worry Luis. Im still here The good news about the "romur" is that it is for 2010......which is a long way away. I believe that this is the Alonso press at work testing the waters. Being so far away means nothing now and I couldnt care less for a "romur" so distant. Ill worry more in 6 to 10 months.

Max....its looking good win or lose tomorrow for Massa still shows that he is only getting better. Easy 5-7 wins this year. 4 wins should be a cake walk. Kaching kaching......

 

Well, if Phil takes the WDC (on less money) Kimi will have a reason to stick around -- something to prove or so.

 

Alonso is like cancer to a team. I respect him as a driver, but not as a man.