SO,
With the forthcoming hearing in the latest twist of the long-dragging Formula 1'Spygate' scenario – namely Renault being accused by McLaren of having a large collection of information of the Woking team’s 2006 and '07' cars thanks to an engineer who switched teams in January – there are now question marks hanging over the head of two-time champion Fernando Alonso’s opportunities to race next year.
Until recently, it was widely believed that the subordinate Spaniard had four options. These were Red Bull Racing, Toyota, Force India (Spyker) and with his previous home, nestled under Flavio’s wing in Enstone.
But it would seem these options are dwindling.
The McLaren reject seems hell bent on serving his own needs by hunting for a single year contract, with a view to setting off to Maranello as partner to Kimi Raikkonen in 2009. However, it seems that no-one is particularly keen or in a position to offer him this.
Toyota have Timo Glock and Jarno Trulli (sort-of) signed up for next year, Force India aren't really in a position to employ a World Champion, Renault are still tied up in the spy situation – which may have massive ramifications on the French manufacturers future in the sport – and Red Bull.
But today it would seem that his chances are fading, as Red Bull driver (and the one considered most likely to be replaced by Alonso) David Coulthard told Reuters there was no chance of his being ousted for next year.
"Why would Fernando leave McLaren to come to Red Bull at the moment?" he asked. "If he didn't enjoy not winning a lot at McLaren, he definitely isn't going to enjoy not winning at all at Red Bull at the moment is he?"
And in case, it would appear that 36-year-old DC has a totally water-tight contract for ’08.
"They simply cannot not put me in the car next year, even if they wanted not to, unless there was a solution found.
"Having been around the block a few times, my contract specifically states that if there's a world championship, they [RBR] have to enter me in it."
So where is he going?
There is a very good chance that the answer may be nowhere. But of course it does make you wonder what would happen in 2009. Fernando has already shown that he heartily dislikes having a team-mate who can rattle him for pace, and unless Ferrari are stupid enough to offer Alonso number one status over their current golden boy and World Champion Kimi Raikkonen, he is going to be in the same situation he is in now.
I wonder how long Ferrari would put up with Alonso's whingeing and threats?
Not as long as McLaren did I’m sure.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Lewis on Lewis
SO,
At the annual Autosport Awards ceremony, erstwhile 2007 Championship leader and apparent new face of Formula One Lewis Hamilton was quizzed on his year to date. Here are some of the best bits…
You have had an extraordinary season. What was it like heading into Melbourne?
LH: Well, the first year, (after) working so hard to get there, I didn't feel like a rookie. I was given such a great opportunity so I grabbed it with both hands.
My engineer and I at McLaren, we made sure we didn't leave a stone unturned so we could go to the first race as well prepared as we could. So I got to the first race and, for sure, probably the other guys didn't anticipate me being so quick - which is a good thing to catch them by surprise!
That was how I probably did so well at the first corner, but I think they caught on after that. I was given a lot of respect, but they quickly realised I wasn't here to mess around.
For you what was the high-spot - the first win, the first pole?
LH: It is difficult to say if there was one particular high spot. To be honest it was an amazing rollercoaster. To get to the first grand prix and to get the first podium is something you can only dream of.
And then to continue that, and to finally get the first win and first pole - I really remember that. I had nearly put it in the wall but managed to get the lap. It really was just an amazing emotional ride throughout the year.
What would you say was your best overtaking move?
LH: Probably Monza. I really just wanted to do a 1-2 for the team, so I had to make sure I got past Kimi (Raikkonen). I had two laps to do it with brand new tyres and he was on old tyres as he had only done one pit stop. I didn't actually realise until I saw the replay how far back I was.
It didn't work out in the last few races of the season. What lessons do you take from that in 2008?
LH: To always keep your head up. I went into those last races and what was important was that I still had support from the team. And with all the problems we had to deal with, the atmosphere within the team to support me remained the same. It really showed that if you work, keep your head down and stay focused you can achieve it.
You can't win all the time, but you have to lose to learn how to win. We didn't get the championship, but perhaps it was a good thing. So we will be working twice as hard next year.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW, GO TO http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/64248
At the annual Autosport Awards ceremony, erstwhile 2007 Championship leader and apparent new face of Formula One Lewis Hamilton was quizzed on his year to date. Here are some of the best bits…
You have had an extraordinary season. What was it like heading into Melbourne?
LH: Well, the first year, (after) working so hard to get there, I didn't feel like a rookie. I was given such a great opportunity so I grabbed it with both hands.
My engineer and I at McLaren, we made sure we didn't leave a stone unturned so we could go to the first race as well prepared as we could. So I got to the first race and, for sure, probably the other guys didn't anticipate me being so quick - which is a good thing to catch them by surprise!
That was how I probably did so well at the first corner, but I think they caught on after that. I was given a lot of respect, but they quickly realised I wasn't here to mess around.
For you what was the high-spot - the first win, the first pole?
LH: It is difficult to say if there was one particular high spot. To be honest it was an amazing rollercoaster. To get to the first grand prix and to get the first podium is something you can only dream of.
And then to continue that, and to finally get the first win and first pole - I really remember that. I had nearly put it in the wall but managed to get the lap. It really was just an amazing emotional ride throughout the year.
What would you say was your best overtaking move?
LH: Probably Monza. I really just wanted to do a 1-2 for the team, so I had to make sure I got past Kimi (Raikkonen). I had two laps to do it with brand new tyres and he was on old tyres as he had only done one pit stop. I didn't actually realise until I saw the replay how far back I was.
It didn't work out in the last few races of the season. What lessons do you take from that in 2008?
LH: To always keep your head up. I went into those last races and what was important was that I still had support from the team. And with all the problems we had to deal with, the atmosphere within the team to support me remained the same. It really showed that if you work, keep your head down and stay focused you can achieve it.
You can't win all the time, but you have to lose to learn how to win. We didn't get the championship, but perhaps it was a good thing. So we will be working twice as hard next year.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW, GO TO http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/64248
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