Twelve months ago, the two times reigning world champion, Fernando Alonso had the transfer market buzzing with rumours. He was unhappy at McLaren. A rookie, who went by the name of Lewis Hamilton, had the pace to out run the defending champion. To make matters worse, towards the later stages of the season, Ron Dennis decided to throw his weight behind Hamilton. Alonso’s fall from grace was nothing short of spectacle. He became the whiny self, always complaining – so uncharacteristic of a leader.
The alliance shattered and Alonso became a free agent. He finally returned to the team which gave him his two world championships – Renault. The struggling team has hardly managed to impress any one this year. Full credits to Alonso for gathering all the points to put Renault besides Toyota in the championship.
With the season finale in sight, Alonso is rumoured to switch the team once again ! So ,what options does he have?
The first would a move to Honda. Ross Brawn has already dedicated his campaign for the next years car development. It would be repeating Michael Schumacher’s feat if Alonso can get Honda to where Michael put Ferrari (remember, Michael won the first championship for Ferrari after a drought of 7 years). Alonso being great at developing a car, it is very much likely that Alonso – Ross – Honda partnership could be the one to beat in a few years time.
Having tasted the glory of being a champion, Alonso might not want to wait for another year before being back in the title hunt. He desires to be counted as a front runner, and not as a driver making up the mid field. The latest buzz in the market is that BMW has shown an interest in signing Alonso. Though not at par with Ferrari or McLaren, BMW does have what it takes to get Alonso on the podium next year. But then, this deal will put Alonso in the same dilemma he was an year ago – Kubica won’t sit there in his cock pit and let Alonso win the races. Alonso will have to fight his team mate, something he failed at in McLaren.
Renault would definitely want to retain Alonso for the next year. Having neither the car, nor Ross Brawn, the only way they can lure him into signing a contract is offering the best possible contract (financially and with a clause to leave the team if he wishes to). Otherwise I see no reason why Alonso should put up with a struggling team yet again.
It’ll definitely be interesting to watch how the stories evolve. For now, I am going to recline on my sofa and enjoy the end of the season as Hamilton and Massa make a last dash for the glory. Can Hamilton fight the demons which drowned him last year at this time ? Can Hamilton keep his nerves and the Brazilian ? Lets have some fun.
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