Renault will be his home...if this is true - From Planet F1 'Corporations to finance Alonso deal' Wednesday 7th November 2007 A leading British newspaper claims that Fernando Alonso is on the verge of a second spell with Renault. The Guardian claims that the French team are close to securing the twice World Champion's services in a deal worth £9.6m a year. Sources suggest that Flavio Briatore was in talks with a consortium, including Telefónica, to finance the deal. But the Spanish newspaper Expansion claims that Telmex are in talks with the French marque. The telecom company is owned by one of the richest men in the world, Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim. Should this deal go through, Nelson Piquet Jr will be installed as Alonso's team-mate, with Heikki Kovalainen moving in the opposite direction to McLaren. It seems increasingly likely that Giancarlo Fisichella, a veteran of close to 200 grands prix, will be released by the Enstone-based team. Spanish sports daily Marca believes that a decision is still a few days away.
He really needs a better agent. How can a 2x WDC negotiate a contract that still pays him less than what Ralf earned at Toyota or reportedly Button earns at Honda...
He can get paid more and lose, or accept less and have a shot at being World Champion. Renault managers are cheap.
According to BusinessF1 Kimi has the sharpest manager, who made him the 3rd richest ever F1 driver. Ralf had Willi Webber, another fantastic manager moneywise. Unfortunately Ralf fired Webber and ever since his paycheck is getting smaller and smaller. Alonso's manager seems to be middle of the field. PS: I don't like the expression "benefactors" in this thread's title. Sponsors is more fitting.
I wonder if Banco Santander is going to stay on for much longer at McLaren with Alonso gone? I think it was wise of Weber to get rid of Ralfie boy. He cooked up a real sweet deal for Ralf who never really matched up to the task. Weber looks like he is now backing Nico Hulkenberg. I think Nico and Johny Reid are awesome talents deserving of rides in GP2 and F1. Its incredible now that the season is over and there are so many seats still open... Ferrari - 0 (No change expected) McLaren - 1 (Alonso's seat) Renault - 2 (both open) Toyota - 2 (Trulli might still have a chance) Williams - 1 (FW claims he will never release Rosberg. But he said the same about Jenson.) Toro Rosso - 0 (Funnily enough this team used to be the last to be confirmed andnow it was among the first to be confirmed) RBR - 0/2 (Both have contracts but change is still possible) Honda - 0/2 (Both have contracts but change is still possible - Barrichello is getting really geriatric. Button's talent is being wasted) Super Aguri - 2 (I dont see them changing it though) Team India Force - 2 (??)
Regarding Ralf, the shrinkage of his paycheck wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that he was over-rated and being much less talented than Michael, would it? I know Favio was his manager until his departure last year for McLaren, who is Alonso's manager now? I agree with Senna3xWC, a proven, talented driver like FA should be one of the highest paid driver in the field. I think what happened this year at McLaren especially, has definetly hurt his value, as I can see teams being a little concerned about him being more disruptive than productive.
I'm sad that Alonso's leaving McLaren, I really will miss the commercials him and Lewis did for Mercedes.
They are not "benefactors", every team needs Sponsors, sponsors pay drivers. Santander mentioned that they will stay with McLaren as they sponsor the Team not Alonso. I´d rather see the drivers do the racing thing, rather than see the commercials...
It is interesting to note that Flavio wanted an answer from FA by Tuesday. It appears that Flavio has not only been able to raise the money but also the sponsors. What's going on?... 1) There are still issues between Renault and FA that need ironing out. 2) FA is waiting for further developments on the fact that Ross Brawn will be signing with Red Bull. 3) There is a new problem with Renault having to appear to answer questions to the FIA in December. Any other comments?
I still think that FA wants a one year contract so he can go to Ferrari in 2009. Renault wants him only for a 3 year commitment.
is talking with Red Bull today... I am quite sure they can come up with just as much cash and a one year contract so that Fonzo can get a Ferrari 2009 ride which is what he wants... Even the guys who run FA-Karts (Fonzo's Kart Business) are saying that is what Fonzo wants...
Yes I go along with that seems to me that's his best and easier option for winning more WDC's. I would hope he has learnt something this season, and shouldn't expect to be a #1 driver as he is not a 3xWDC.
Carlos Ghosn has just stated "if I am not announcing anything, it is because nothing has been concluded". He further adds that FAs most important request "The only thing he asks for is to be in the race and to possible win". Reading through the lines it is apparent that negotiations are ongoing...but although FA wants a 1 year contract that has been ruled out by Flavio.
shouldn't expect to be #1 where? Renault, red bull? gimme a break, the only place he isn't #1 is ferrari. and that's because phil is. until next year! he shoulda been #1 at mclaren. dennis screwed that pooch. hamilton wouldn't have cared at the beginning of the season. now he ran off the second best driver in f1.
i didn't say i favor him. i said dennis should have made him #1 at the beginning of the season. he would have won both championships and still had two of the top three driver's on his team. as it is, he lost both championships and his team is in disarray with a top driver leaving. he screwed the pooch.
