Alpine F1

The first ever Polish racing driver made another auspicious start to the 2008 Formula One season—and may be the ultimate dark horse for the 2009 competition.

The BMW Sauber driver has emerged as a genuine title threat to the drivers of the big two “Ferrari and Mercedes”.  His appearance as a top level driver has been remarkable, considering that he was a test driver in 2006 and became a starting driver midway through the season.

Kubica is a man who has spent his entire life driving four wheels, and his pedigree is of a driver whom loves racing.  He began competing in the Polish Carting Championship at an early age, winning a collection of trophies and titles, until he moved to compete in the Italian Karting Championships. 

In 1998 Kubica became the first man outside of Italy to win the title, and was a strong competitor in the European Karting Championships.  The following year he was a constant figure in the German Karting season, as well as being the champion of the prestigious Monaco Kart Cup.  He was a contender in the CIK FIA World Carting championships, but played second fiddle to Danilo Rossi.

Starting his professional racing career in 2000, he joined Renault as a test driver.  He competed in the Formula Renault Championships, in both the Italian and Euro cup championships.  While he did not set the proverbial racing world on fire, 2002 saw him win four races and scoring a second place in the Italian Formula Renault 2000.

He moved to the Formula Three Euro Series, but made a near heroic debut at the Norisring driving with a severe arm injury to win his debut Formula Three race in front of over 100,000 spectators.  His season was cut short by this injury, but in 2004 he improved his season to finish seventh.  Toward the end of the year, he set two records in the Macau F3 Grand Prix, winning pole position, and then breaking the all time lap record before finishing second.

In 2005 he signed with the Epsilon Euskadi, and he had a breakthrough season in the World Series for Renault—winning four races before going through to take the championship.  He then competed again in the Macau F3 Grand Prix, and went on to become runner up for the second consecutive year.

It was on the heels of these results that he earned a test with the Renault Formula One team in Barcelona.  Shortly after he was signed by BMW Sauber as their official test driver—it was then midway through the 2006 season that he took over racing from former world champion Jacques Villeneuve. 

It was in his second race that he finished on the podium on the Italian Grand Prix which influenced BMW to state that he would finish the season as the teams second driver.

However, he was too ambitious, pushing his car too hard, leaving the track throughout races, and making poor decisions on his tyre choices.

In 2007 he started the season strongly, finishing in the top six in his first five races of the season.  At the Canadian Grand Prix, he was in a horrific accident, in which his car allegedly after rebounding of the first wall pulled in excess of 75G’s.  It was great testament for the technology currently in Formula One cars, as he walked away with nothing worse than a sprained ankle, and missed just one race with concussion. 

He returned in France and made two consecutive fourth place finishes here and at Silverstone.  Apart from a further retirement, he would not finish worse than ninth at any race in the season, and recorded seven top five finishes.  He would finish the season in sixth place.

Despite his BMW P86/8 Engine having a considerable disadvantage against the power and reliability of the Ferrari’s and Mercedes, the Polish driver has emerged as a genuine contender.  It will be a difficult task to break the Formula One domination of the Big two, but Kubica has a real chance—despite the team itself admitting it is far behind the Italian and British elite constructors.

His first place in the unpredictable Canadian Grand Prix was a deserved feather for the young pole—his maiden victory—and a fourth place finish in the season proper announced he will be a world power.

But a future world champion?

Every year the magazine I subscribe to, F1 Racing, has an award ceremony.  The main award up for grabs is the prestigious "man of the year" prize (as voted by the readers).  Whilst I think these awards are a great idea, I have felt a bit cheated for the last couple of years, and I fear I will feel the same way this year.

I bet you can’t guess who won man of the year in 2006? Go on try…got it in one Micheal Schumacher!  This was so obvious! It was his final year and he did have a fantastic career, but I felt that the true man of the year was the now two times World Champion, Fernando Alonso.  The Spaniard held out against the red attack in the second half of 2006 to beat the seven times world champ for the second year in a row.

Now I bet you can’t guess who won in 2007? Despite throwing away the title! You got it Lewis Hamilton (I know I’ve never heard of him either!?).  This one I actually have less to complain about.  Lewis had an amazing debut season and I think he made as many fans in 2007 as he seemed to lose in 2008.  I can’t think of any driver who deserved the title more in '07 and although I think it was largely his fault that he didn’t win, it was only his first season for God’s sake!

So 2006 and 2007 aside, I can safely predict that 2008’s man of the year will again be Lewis.  I don’t think he deserves it this year despite winning the title.  Some may say they want Kubica, some Vettel, some may even argue it should be Rubens (if 2008 was his final year).  As for me, it has to be the legend that is Fernando Alonso.

I must admit bias; he is one of my two F1 heroes and to my mind, he is undoubtedly one of the greatest F1 drivers ever.  So I will now try and convince you that Nando should win the prize the drivers care the most about…Man of the year.

1) I think this is one of the most important reasons; Fernando has true courage.  From driving a World Championship winning car in 2005, '06, and '07 Fernando found himself in a poor mid-field car for 2008.  However, he didn’t let his head drop and he worked his arse off to work with the team and improve the car.  I can’t begin to imagine how hard it must have been for Alonso watching Lewis set his times every race weekend and then jumping into the R28. 

I know Fernando didn’t exactly portray himself in a positive light at McLaren, and many will argue he deserves what he gets now.  However, I would disagree, arguing that I’m not sure what goes on behind the scenes at team McLaren.  It was very interesting to see what DC had to say about his time with Ron’s Silver side.  I don’t think anything is ever black and white, and I don’t think Fernando was made very welcome by anyone.

2) Raw driving skill.  From Australia to the very last corner of Brazil, Fernando out drove his Renault.  At times he pushed too hard; like in Canada, but overall he put in stunning performances.  He was perhaps unlucky that his team mate beat him to the first podium, but Fernando was the man to win two races. 

Throughout the season the legend that is Martin Brundle (one of the only members of ITV’s race team who’s opinion I valued) described Fernando as the best driver package on the grid.  There isn’t much else to say here, other than to re-iterate…Fernando is the best in F1 at the moment.

I thought about other reasons, but kept simply returning to the fact that Fernando is the best.  I do believe that Lewis will win it, but I think Vettel, Kubica, and Massa also have reasonably strong chances.  Whilst all of these drivers performed very well this year; Lewis only one by one point (thanks again Glock). 

Vettel was outstanding, but I think the best is still to come.  Kubica won his first race and drove well but nothing spectacular.  And Massa, I think he proved a lot of people wrong this year, and I believe he would be a truly deserving runner-up for the award, but he still lacks the quality that Alonso has.

If you look at the season as a whole, look at all of the drivers, where they started and where they finished, look at how hard they have worked, I think you would probably come to the same conclusion as me.  Fernando Alonso is my F1 Racing Man of the Year 2008.

Honda Racing F1 team left the F1 last week.We know how the public reacts after the pull out. Also FIA's rubbish engine tender won by Cosworth and FIA gives two choice to FOTA about 2010 Engine Rules.

But I want to look the change of F1 in the eyes of Fans and My question is: Did F1 learned lessons about its future ?

Every F1 fan want to attend a race and In a race weekend if you don't have a paddock club pass, you have only one chance to see the drivers and cars also for mechanics too.

So now Bernie and Max saw Honda left F1 because of Global Crisis and the balance of money against success made the exit of Honda. Sometimes even Fans expect Honda to leave F1 but FOM and F1 Media is far from this so this is an interesting thing to live with.

I think F1's only problem is not the costs also The teams are far from their fans even Ferrari or Renault. I think F1 must change it's attitude to Fans.After TV adverts become more important than sportsmanship in any kind of Sports.The answer is in front of us.

F1 still don't know how to use it's media power to the public.In F1 Racing Magazine GP editor Peter Windsor mentioned these many times. F1 is a good PR work for manufacturers but they must remember the fans too.If any of us bored to watch the same type of story in F1 than what we have to wish for ?

Do we have to say that remember us Bernie and Max ?

In other Motorsport series you can see drivers and get near race cars.I want to congratulate Renault,Ferrari and BMW to their attempts bring F1 to Fans. The Roadshows of Renault and BMW give a lot to Fans also Ferrari World Finals are good examples.

But F1 must bring new solutions to the audience at circuits because any of us want to see and talk with Kimi, Lewis, or Felipe in race weekend and F1 have a lot of sources to do this little activity just for an hour but they don't want to do.

In Conclusion, F1 got the first punch from Crisis and they already reacted against it. Sometimes answers are not far from us. Cutting the costs and changing rules still didn't stop what F1 lived and maybe worse or better but they must remember The FANS on TV or at CIRCUITS. Watching a race,buy merchandises etc.and never discover more deeply or never see the drivers you like is very Ironic for us.F1 must prove what will they develop for the show.

So F1 must change for audience with more technology etc. but talking with star drivers shouldn't be a dream for us. If NASCAR or other series can organise that Why wouldn't we can see the same in F1 ?

Former World Champion, Fernando Alonso, has declared that he could walk away from Formula 1 if plans to introduce standard engines go ahead.

The standardisation of Engines has been a major talking point in F1 this year, so we won't dwell on this any more as I have read countless articles about it—and to be honest, it's boring the living hell out of me now—I will reserve judgement on the move until I see it in action.

This, however, isn't the view of Renault's Fernando Alonso.  The Spaniard has told the media that is F1's governing body, the FIA, press ahead with the proposals that he will hang up his helmet.  Speaking to reporters at a UNICEF charity event, Alonso said that he was appalled by the prospect and that the standard engine rule would drive him away from the sport that he has dedicated his professional life too.

Reuters quoted Alonso as saying, "If they approved that, it would be the last straw. It would be time to think about retirement."

However, it isn't just the standardisation rule that is bugging Alonso-he has said that it is the whole host of recent rule changes that is getting to him.  He feels that the FIA are seriously restricting the potential of an F1 car and is holding the sport back.

"In 2005 we had a V10 engine with 1,000 horsepower," he said.  "That was what was exciting for the driver, motor racing at the limit.  We have gone from the futuristic to cars without grip or electronic aids which look like something from the past."

Now, Alonso is probably my least favourite driver on the grid at the moment, and this is not because of his racing ability, he is a fantastic driver, it is simply because of his attitude to the sport and his egotistical manner to the media.  I do have to say though, that I back him fully on what he has been quoted as saying.

I feel the sport got to a peak, in performance at least, around 2005/2006 season and has since had restrictions implemented on it.  F1 is a motor-sport, it is supposed to be the fastest track sport in the World, Bernie Ecclestone and his cronies are now turning it into a sport that is won in the FIA headquarters and putting stupid and pathetic new rules and regulations into a sport that doesn't need them.

The sport will die a death with the current governing body.  Call me a "fake fan" or a "part-time fan" or whatever you like, but I can honestly see me not even switching the television set on should things continue down the road in which they are going.

We need someone in-charge that can run the sport the way the fans want to see it, the sport has become more technical throughout the years-this was always going to happen, but it has become more boring over the last three to four years also-and this needs to stop.

Where is the sport that I used to love?  Where is the sport which was won on the track?  Where is the sport that required technical foresight and precise pit-stops?  I'll tell you where it is.  It's in the past, and whilst Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone call the shots, this is exactly where it will stay.

Sorry about the news bite at the start—this was required to give the story basis.

There isn't much happening in F1 world at the minute, so I thought I would make up some news to pass the time.

Toro Rosso find new engine partners

Not wanting to be outdone by Force India, Toro Rosso have announced that they will not be using Ferrari engines in 2009. Instead, they have teamed up with Rover. Gerhard Berger said, "We are delighted to have teamed up with Rover, and although they might not have a rich motorsport heritage, we think that we could be challenging for a championship next year."

Piquet sacked from Renault

In a surprise move from Renault several days after saying that they will retain both drivers for 2009, Nelson Piquet Jr. has been fired from Renault with immediate effect, after he was caught stealing office stationery. Piquet said "This is really unfair, I once saw Alonso shove a handful of pens into his pocket, but he doesn't get sacked." Flavio Briatore was unavailable for comment.

Honda announce driver competition

Honda announced today that Rubens Barrichello will not been retained by Honda for 2009, but they will also not be signing Bruno Senna. In a momentous decision, they are going to offer the drive to a lucky member of the public in a competition.

Ross Brawn said, "Our car for next year is already looking like it could be a bit of a dog, so we are going to put all of our effort into 2010. Because of this, no racing driver wanted to drive our car for this season, which is why we came up with the competition."

FIA's latest cost-cutting measures

Max Mosley has today announced a series of ideas to help lower costs and encourage more teams to join the F1 grid. Firstly, he has ordered that a giant roof must be built over every track on the calendar, so money can be saved by eliminating the need for wet and intermediate tyres.

Secondly, a "pay and display" car park has been introduced in the paddock to encourage the teams to bring less trucks and motor-homes to the circuit.

Finally, he has announced that the FIA will no longer provide free orange juice in the press conferences, as too many of the drivers "are taking advantage of the generosity of the FIA."

Well, what a season 2008 turned out to be. The end result it seemed was a collection of drivers running away from title glory rather than striving to achieve it.

There were, of course, many stories that emerged throughout the season as some drivers flourished, while others put a stop on their future careers.

Let’s start with my top five drivers, shall we….

5. Fernando Alonso

Yes I believe he is arrogant, selfish and childish. His season as Mclaren forced my opinion of him to change. But then he came back to the forefront with a simply stunning second-half performance, giving us the slick and stylish Spaniard we had seen in his early years, outperforming his Minardi and winning the titles at Renault.

In a weak and disappointing Renault, he comfortably obliterated the poor excuse for a team mate in Piquet Jr. and recorded unexpected back-to-back victories in an end of season bout of points.

Perhaps Renault can work tremendously over the winter period and produce a car that will gift us with the Alonso of past glories. After all, a more competitive car breeds an electric and possibly unbeatable Fernando.

4. Felipe Massa

The boyish Brazilian will never be one to excite me or produce any sort of fanatic behaviour from me; he is clumsy, reckless, and to a certain extent, inconsistent.

However on certain occasions in the 2008 season Felipe has led me to believe that there is a star waiting to jump out and dominate the sport. His home Grand Prix proved what he can do when he leads from the front.

He can produce Schumacher-style dominances in such circumstances, and I applaud him for this revolution of pace and control that he has shown at various points of the season.

Of course, however, as his performance in Great Britain showed us, he still has a long journey to embark upon before he can portray the duration of a season free of careless errors at race weekends where he does not take charge.

3. Lewis Hamilton

I do not believe Hamilton was at his best this year. He was lucky, very lucky to win the title.

A foolish decision by Toyota gifted his title success, although in saying that he deserved it more than Felipe Massa last year, which in a way makes up for the disappointment of losing to a faster Kimi Raikonnen in 2007.

All he needs to make him a force to be reckoned with is a few extra laps in circuits where he fails to deliver and maybe then he can win a title without taking it to the Sao Paolo track where he so frustratingly flops.

2. Sebastian Vettel

An average first half of the season was followed by the thunderous win in Monza, in turn putting his name well into the public eye and F1 history books. He became the youngest winner in F1 history and also made Heikki Kovalinen look like a flailing tortoise.

His decision to transfer to the arguably slower Red Bull team is baffling, as it may relegate him back to the midfield. However, this man has the ability to outperform a car and a fast teammate in Bourdais.

Surely, though, this man will be taken away from the factories in Milton Keynes before long.

1. Robert Kubica

If BMW hadn’t decided to halt work on the 2008 car to concentrate on the 09 car, then possibly Kubica would have had more of a look in for the title than he ended up having.

As Massa, Hamilton, and Kimi created misfortunes, Kubica brought about a great level of consistency that progressed in a similar style to Lewis Hamilton last year.

It was not the wins that brought Kubica glory, it was the run of podium finishes that gifted him a championship lead with not a single win to his name midway through the season.

Then of course he got his break, albeit a lucky one (although not in the same lucky vein as Heikki) with victory in Canada. In doing so, he also shifted the BMW team from a team of equal driver quality to a lead driver and secondary driver.

Such was his revelation of pace this year. Kubica more than anyone deserves to be a champion in the future, but as always, the question is will he get the chance to prove it.

Quite simply, he was the standout driver of the year.

But what about the drivers who had the opposite of seasons! Here’s the three I’d give the heave-ho….

3. David Coulthard

I’ve supported this man since I was 8 years old; in the aftermath of Senna’s death, a new British superstar emerged into F1. After an average first two seasons, he began to rally points in a string of podium finishes, pole positions, and the odd win here and there, giving the British press some optimistic thoughts on a follow-up champion to Damon Hill.

Yet he just could not reach the top step on the podium at the end of every season and before we knew it he fell dramatically from grace and was shipped off to Red Bull to spearhead their newfound status.

The Red Bull team, however which transformed into a great force with DC at the helm, produced performances not before seen by a Milton Keynes based team.

Until this season.

Maybe he just gave up. Maybe he just lost his spark. With two points finishes, both gifted to him in unusual circumstances, this was DC’s worst season by a country mile, even more drastically worse than his depressing final season at McLaren.

2. Heikki Kovalinen

Look out for me slating him a lot in the future. McLaren lost the constructor's title due to Heikki.

Embarrassed by Vetell in Monza, embarrassed by a debut win even the likes of Adrian Sutil and Sebastian Bourdais would reject, Heikki showed little signs of any pace at any time during the season.

Never mind, Heikki, the winter is long, as your working schedules will most likely be.

1. Nelson Piquet Jr.

Some drivers come into F1 with such high expectations, both from themselves and critics alike. Some smash through and grab the highest accolades, like Hamilton and Villeneuve. Some falter spectacularly: Alessandro Zanardi anyone?

If Kovalainen was lucky to win a race, Piquet Jr. was even luckier to be in a seat in the Renault team. On a couple of occasions he showed some promise, but throughout, he showed little reason to warrant a seat for 2009. At times, he was simply abysmal in comparison to his electrifying team mate.

To continue like this would surely be the kiss of death on his F1 career.

UPDATE - UPDATE - UPDATE - UPDATE - UPDATE - UPDATE - UPDATE - UPDATE - UPDATE

BREAKING NEWS: Alonso & Piquet to Stay at Renault

Renault have just announced that two-time World Champion, Fernando Alonso, and current team-mate, Nelson Piquet Jr will stay at Renault for the 2009 season.

"We are happy to confirm both Fernando and Nelson for next season," said team boss Flavio Briatore.  "This gives the ING Renault F1 Team one of the most exciting driver pairings with the perfect blend of youth and experience.

Alonso has been secured for a further two seasons whilst Piquet has secured a one year extension, with a possible extra year at the end of 2009.

Alonso told the media, "I have decided to stay with the ING Renault F1 team because, as I have often repeated this season, they have always been my first choice and I feel very happy and comfortable with them."

Piquet was happy with the news and said, "Although I have had a tough year, I have learned a lot from my rookie season and I will aim to put that experience to good use next season," he said.  "I want to thank the team for their support this year and for the trust they have shown in me for the future."

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Ron Dennis to Change Role Within McLaren

Lewis Hamiltons mentor and McLaren team boss, Ron Dennis, has suggested that his role within Formula 1 will change from next season.

"My role will broaden in some aspects and reduce in others," the team principal told a press conference in Brazil. "I have believed passionately in the need for a Grand Prix team to diversify and it is not by accident that McLaren is a group of companies, we do intend to try to match the success of Ferrari and to do that we cannot just be a Grand Prix team."

Fans are urged not be concerned that Hamilton will be disadvantaged by the absence of Dennis from the pit-wall from next season as the McLaren boss has groomed his likely successor, Martin Whitmarsh- Martin has long had a comfortable relationship with Hamilton. On top of that, Dennis is much too fond of Formula One to wish to spend any lengthy period of time away from it.

UPDATE - UPDATE - UPDATE - UPDATE - UPDATE - UPDATE - UPDATE - UPDATE - UPDATE

Formula One Wants to Return Races to North America by 2010

The FIA are in discussions about taking F1 back across the pond by 2010 after the race was dropped from the 2009 calendar.

The 2009 Canadian Grand Prix was removed after a contractual dispute between even organizers and the FIA.  An event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway dropped off this year's calendar after eight years.

Speaking to the media, Honda CEO, Nick Fry, believes that this would be a positive step forward, "It's a vital market not only for the car manufacturers but also for many of the sponsors, A quick return to North America would be positive for Formula One.''

Could the sudden rush to get an American Grand-Prix back on the calendar be down to the fact that the FIA have managed to lose us two races from the 2009 season, Canada and France.  Panic setting in Mr. Mosely? 

The final word is that the event would be held "near one of the country's biggest cities."

Anthony Hamilton: Racist Taunts Hurt

The Father of Lewis Hamilton has admitted that racial taunts towards his son really do hurt and at one point forced him to reconsider whether they should continue in the sport.

“I am Lewis’s dad and my first duty is to be protective of my family,” he told the Daily Mail .  “Sometimes you wonder whether it is worth staying in Formula One, even when it has been your dream for so long.  When people behave as they do by talking against Lewis it hurts, and nobody wants that for people they love and care about.”

The World Drivers Champion has received many racial attacks this year after his heated feuds with Spaniard, Fernando Alonso.  The attacks started in testing, back in February when a group of Spaniards started hurling racial abuse towards Hamilton at the Circuit de Catalunya .  My article explains more.

BMW to Reveal New Car on January 20th

BMW have today confirmed that they will track test their 2009 car for the first time in Valencia on January 20.  BMW have stated that they believe that the new car will allow them to put in a full-blown challenge for the World Championship next year, and even be ahead of Ferrari and McLaren at the start of the season.

Reports on the teams Official Website state, “The roll-out of the BMW Sauber F1.09 has been scheduled for 20th January at Valencia.  Afterwards, we will conduct three further tests before the 2009 season kicks off in Melbourne on 29th March—some weeks later than was the case in recent years."

When asked how the car would line up against the big dogs, Ferrari and McLaren, the BMW spokesperson said, “The challenges are big but we will stick to our ambitious goal: in 2009, we want to be one of the teams battling it out for the title.”

Montezemolo: Formula One Needs a New Points System

Ferrari boss, Luca di Montezemolo, has told the Italian press that he believes that the sport needs a new points system, and should he ever take charge, it would be the first thing he would change.

The bitter Italian told La Stampa, " Massa won six races (in 2008), Hamilton five, but the Englishman is the champion."  This comment comes despite an official statement in which he says that Hamilton's title win was "well deserved."

Under pre-2003 scoring system, Massa would have claimed the title.  In 2002 and before, Grand-Prix winners received 10 points compared with six points for second. Today, the winner's margin is just two points.

Bourdais Keeps him "Fingers Crossed" for Second Season in F1

Sebastien Bourdais has said this week that he will keep his "fingers crossed" that he can extend his contract for a further year—an extension that would see the Frenchman with Toro Rosso throughout 2009.

"You could conclude that it was a bad season; indeed, if I were to start again, instead of seeking a radical solution to my problems, I would concentrate on smaller things," Bourdais said.  "I hope to know more very soon and have my fingers crossed for good news. I really want to continue."

Lead Pussycat Declares Her Love for Lewis

Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, the girlfriend of Lewis Hamilton, has publicly declared her love for the champion.  The couple who started dating late on in the 2007 season, have had a lot to celebrate over the last year- the "Dolls" have released a chart topping album, "Doll Domination," and of course the title win by Hamilton.

The 30-year-old singer joined the Hamilton family in Sao Paulo for the Brazilian Grand Prix to watch her "toy boy" clinch the World Championship title.  As a gesture of thanks for his girlfriend's support, Lewis has stated that he will join the Pussycat Dolls on their upcoming tour.

On a personal note, "get in there Lew' she's hot."

Ecclestone: Give Lewis the Recognition he Deserves

F1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone, has claimed that the Drivers Champion is still battling accusations of being arrogant- something that Michael Shumacher also fought on his way to his seven World-titles.

"Lewis has achieved an awful lot and it would be bloody difficult for any of us to be the same as him," said the F1 supremo.  "I think he comes over as a bit over-confident but don't forget they said the same about Michael.  He has to be careful what he says and how he presents himself, otherwise there are no fears."

Ecclestone has stated that he believes Lewis could attract a new audience to the already growing fan-base of Formula One and calls this the "Tiger Woods effect," after Tiger almost doubled the audience of professional golf.

As I say, keep an eye out for the announcement from Renault today as they reveal whether Fernando Alonso will be with them next year.  But, for now, I just wanted to say a massive congratulations to Barack Obama on his Presidential success—this from a UK citizen.

At last.

It seems that Fernando has made up his mind. He will announce his plans for 2009 after this race.  Reports are saying that he is "very happy" with his plans for next year (the "very happy" bit does always remind me of Fisi!).

It seems pretty obvious to me that it's going to be Renault who get his highly prized signature, especially after two wins and top six finishes in the last seven races, add to that the fact he's top of the time sheets in P2 in Brazil, and it makes his signature almost a cert.

However, the more interesting thing is the part of his interview that mentions 2009. And no more. One year.

So after that it's Ferrari. I wouldn't be surprised if it's already signed, despite what Di Montezemolo has said before. Also remember this; Marlboro are soon ending their sponsorship in F1 and the name likely to be on the side of the Scuderia? Name the corporation who have admitted that they probably won't be re-signing with Mclaren? Santander. Where are they from? Spain. Catalunia to be precise. Hmmm now where in Spain is Oviedo? Catalunia. Who is Oviedo's favourite son? Fernando Alonso.

It all fits very nicely thank you.

Personally I can't wait. Ever since I was at Silverstone watching testing one day when Renault leant Jaguar a certain Spanish rookie just for one day, and he blew away Irvine in that test, I turned to the missus and said, "watch that kid, he's gonna be good."

I have wanted to see him in the Scarlet. I'm not a particular Ferrari fan, but the fire and passion that Fernando exhibits just makes it seem natural. He was never really going to fit in at corporate Mclaren. And so it was proved.

So, with Fernando signing the obvious one year extension (paid for by the Spanish Insurance company on his overalls), the rest should slot into place.

My guess is that Button and Barrichello will remain at Honda, although it has just be announced that Bruno Senna will test the Honda in November...

Maybe Torro Rosso as an outside chance for Senna? Personally I would love to see Takuma Sato back in the cockpit, and he did impress in his recent test with the Faenza team.

How about Sato and Senna in the STR? Now that would be interesting.

No matter what, we only have days to wait now before the pieces all slot into place.

Fernando Alonso showed the strength of the Renault in session two of Friday practice as he pipped Massa in a late show. Meanwhile, championship leader, Lewis Hamilton could only manage ninth after such a strong showing in session one.

Hamilton's session was full of locked wheels and driver errors—errors that he can't afford to make in tomorrow's Qualifying session and Sunday's race.

One excuse for Hamilton's pace is engine preservation.  We have to remember that Hamilton is taking a race-worn V8 whilst championship rival, Felipe Massa, and in-form Renault Driver, Fernando Alonso, have fresh horses underneath them.

Jarno Trulli shocked us today as he managed to be the first to set a seriously competitive lap of 1m12.999s, although this was overturned within minutes of Massa getting on the track, no-one other than Alonso and the Ferrari driver could match it.

Defending World Champion, Kimi Raikkonen, couldn't match the pace of the top three and finished the session on a 1m12.600s and sits back in third, knowing fully well that his real task will start tomorrow and will see him assist Massa in any way possible during Sunday's race.

Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel, Nelson Piquet Jr., and Nico Rosbeg were all quicker than Lewis Hamilton in session two, finishing from fifth to eighth respectively.

The real shock, and disappointment, of the day was Heikki Kovalainen.  The McLaren driver was nine tenths of a second slower than Alonso and finished the session on a 1m13.213s, all the way back in fifteenth position.  McLaren and Lewis Hamilton will be hoping that Kovy can pull something special out tomorrow.

Retiring driver, David Coulthard, was given some hope for his final ever Grand-Prix weekend as a driver when he managed to score eleventh position in his Red Bull going across the line on a 1m12.896s, just seven hundredths of a second slower than the MP4-23 of Lewis Hamilton.

The greasy surface, caused by earlier rain showers, caught out several drivers, including Mark Webber who managed to control a high-speed spin at the end of the long back straight without any damage to his Red Bull, Jarno Trulli at turn 12 and Sebastien Bourdais who twice went off the road whilst braking for the Senna S.

In a damp and cold practice session, one that McLaren will want to forget if possible, the Ferrari had a clear advantage in pace—whether this was down to driver errors on Hamilton's part or down to performance and traction of the F2008 we won't know.

What we do know is, although Hamilton goes into this weekend with a seven point cushion over Massa, he still has some serious work to do if he is to go on to win the championship title on Sunday afternoon.

Final Standings After Session Two of Friday Free Practice are:

1.  ALONSO         Renault         1m12.296s
2.  MASSA          Ferrari           1m12.353s
3.  TRULLI          Toyota          1m12.435s
4.  RAIKKONEN     Ferrari          1m12.600s
5.  WEBBER         Red Bull         1m12.650s
6.  VETTEL         Toro Rosso     1m12.687s
7.  PIQUET          Renault         1m12.703s
8.  ROSBERG        Williams        1m12.761s
9.  HAMILTON      McLaren       1m12.827s
10. NAKAJIMA      Williams        1m12.886s
11. COULTHARD    Red Bull       1m12.896s
12. KUBICA          BMW           1m12.971s
13. HEIDFELD       BMW           1m13.038s
14. GLOCK           Toyota        1m13.041s
15. KOVALAINEN   McLaren      1m13.213s
16. BARRICHELLO  Honda         1m13.221s
17. BOURDAIS      Toro Rosso   1m13.273s
18. BUTTON         Honda         1m13.341s
19. SUTIL         Force India   1m13.428s
20. FISICHELLA    Force India   1m13.691s

With thanks to ITV for session times.

Keep an eye out for my Qualifying Report and Race Report on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Fernando Alonso has put to bed any rumours that he has a grudge against his former team-mate, Lewis Hamilton. Speaking to the media, Alonso said he has declared his support for Ferrari this season as he was unhappy with the way things panned out whilst he was at McLaren, last season.

Alonso insists that the grudge he has isn't against Lewis personally and he in fact respects him. Alonso also believes that the 23-year old will go on to win the WDC this Sunday at Interlagos, Brazil.

"Lewis is the clear favourite," Alonso told reporters.

"He is seven points ahead and if he finishes the race, it will be enough to win the championship."

"So Lewis is going to win."

"I said many times that I have great respect for Lewis and we speak together."

"We have no problems."

"But I think I will always prefer to see any team other than McLaren winning."

Speaking from a drivers point of view, Alonso also believes that the rest of the pack will stay well clear of title contender's, Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton, this weekend.

"I don't see any possibility of someone crashing with Felipe or crashing with Lewis," he said.

"The race will be very, very clean, I hope."

"I think nothing will happen and they will both finish on the podium."

Alonso finished by again stressing he has nothing but respect for Hamilton and that his grudge was purely with McLaren for the way he was treated last season. 

Do you think Alonso has a grudge against Hamilton?  Or do you think it is purely with McLaren?  Does he have the right to have a grudge with McLaren?  Leave me your comments and suggestions...

As a personal "heads-up," keep an eye out for my qualifying and race reports this Sunday as I round-off the season.