Fernando Alonso spent an entire day at Honda's Brackley factory this week and even had a seat fitting, reports from Germany on Thursday said. Sport Bild claims that the double world champion, who is still yet to commit to a team for 2008 after splitting with McLaren, is 'nearing an agreement' with the Japanese outfit that recently tabbed Ross Brawn as its new team boss. It is reported that the first approach to Alonso about possibly joining Honda was made by F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, after the previously Nick Fry-led team embarrassingly netted just six points with its RA107 package this year. Cliquez ici... The publication said Alonso would take the place of Rubens Barrichello; the Brazilian veteran who would move to Honda's satellite team Super Aguri in 2008 as Takuma Sato's new team-mate. Alonso's manager, Luis Garcia Abad, on Thursday was not contactable.
I would love to see Alonso win a WDC and WCC with Honda in 2008 ... a Honda engine F1 car has not won a F1 Championship in a long time...
Ross and FA... Now that's a pair, one that some people would swear couldn't work at Ferrari but for some reason could at Honda??? I bet it's a one year contract.... Leaving 2009 open so he can stay at Honda with Ross or head to Maranello? With this move, Ross and FA at Honda, I would say the rest of the field needs to watch out, including Ferrari... I can see BMW and Honda being ahead of McLaren this coming season... Jensen Button is a very good driver as well, and with all the money in the world and a guy like Ross able to spend it correctly..... Danger!
I have no idea how long Ross is tied to Honda.... I would imagine Luca is asking this question right now as well! But I also know that Luca has options with FA for 2009 but he would also probably like to have Ross come across then as well...
It's kinda odd, that the German Bild website does not have any mention of such important news. This would be the biggest story since the last race in Brazil, yet no word.
Thanks. Hmm, they just repeat what Bild said. Reminds me of the German TV station which announced a while ago, that Alonso has officially joined Ferrari and will make a statement at the GP weekend. That came and went and never happened. Not saying this isn't true, but would like to see another source telling the story.
http://www.topix.com/forum/formula1/rubens-barrichello/T2O2F0LK4KLI684B1 How about this one? http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/29112007/13/alonso-honda-seat-fitting.html
Somewhat: The first report at least confirms the sacking of Rubens with the hint of Alonso coming. However the second report again only repeats the Bild story. A seat fitting is a very strong indication of the driver joining the team. That's why I'd like to see another source confirming that part.
I said it when Brawn joined Honda - Alonso will go there. THE chance to do what Schumacher did at Ferrari. He won't have another opportunity like that...
I would hate to say it but with Honda money, Ross as the leader and Fonzo behind the wheel with Button backing him up...... Could be another dream team scenario...
Keep dreaming. We don't have a seat for Alonso in the near future. Massa and Kimi contracts are for 2010 and 2009.
to be frank, it'll be nice to see what Fred can do for Honda. he has the age factor, Ross in his corner, and Honda's money as well.
"Keep dreaming. We don't have a seat for Alonso in the near future. Massa and Kimi contracts are for 2010 and 2009." That FA has a 2009 option with Ferrari.. Are you Luca's assistant or is the spanish media lying?
I trust YellowBird over the Spanish media. Every day of the week. Why is it when the Spanish media says something that could be bad for Alonso, nobody believes them, but when they say something good, everybody believes them? I think it's just best to never trust them. Peter
So your assuming JB will be his #2 ermm your are good at predicting. I dont no if Honda have team orders they may have, Brawns a Brit JB's a Brit ..
Do you think Ross cares if Jensen is a brit? I imagine he will follow his most winning driver when the time comes... Ross doesn't care about what color you are, he cares about winning no matter who it is...
...He´s got a lot better connections than you would dream of... so, yes, I´ll take his word... AND I LIKE WHAT HE SAYS!!! Now that we see some real big picture proyect with Honda for Alonso, the option for 2009 at Ferrari is dissolving pretty fast...and Im glad.VERY.
Geez, everyone here has connections..... But they don't know what's going on any faster than the rest... Those who claim to have the connections, they usually don't... It's those who are silent on this blog who probably really know... Which tells you I am speculating as well.
I don't think Alonso would consider going to another team with out having #1 status in his contract..... and I think Honda would love to have him, so why not make him #1?.....Brawn is used to the #1 & #2 system, worked for him in the past, why would it be different now???
As unfounded as it may be, I'd love to see Jenson win a WDC a. before Hamilton (if Hamilton ever does) and b. with Ross Brawn. JB is a great driver with such ****ty luck. Here's to hoping that will turn around. FA at honda would be great too, but he will want to be a clear #1, with Button not willing to resign that spot. How well did that work out for FA at McLaren in 2007?
