Here he IS.. The 2007 FIA formula-1 world CHAMP!!!

[MFAFF]

Opps double post

[Paco Anton]

Well guys, I am as bisaed as a Spaniard can be but I don't see any real competition for Alonso in the field this year.

Alonso won 2 championships from MS in the last 2 years. He held under extreme pressure from MS,especially in the second part of both seasons where the Ferrari clearly outclassed his Renault.

FA has a good car and a good team. Ferrari has a good car but even if it is better than the McLaren, Massa and Kimi are not MS and will not hold a full season. They raced these last two years with good cars too and did not even get close to FA and MS so, why would they come close now?

This year it will be Alonso from the first race till the end. My only question mark is the car, which is somewhat prone to breakdowns.

[Jims5543]

This months Racer magazine had a great article about Kimi and Ferrari and how they are getting along. At the Italian press day Kimi came out and greeted the Italian reporters in Italian. Something that suprised everyone, he later admitted he is studying Italian so he can speak fluently in it. It took MS 4 years to acknowledge the Italian press in their native tongue.

It was also reported he seems much more relaxed and articulate than when he was with McLaren. Ever wonder about FA loosing his locks in favor of a buzz cut? Specualtion that there is a lot more corporate BS going on at McLaren than there appears to be.

He has also said he is not MS and the team does not want him to be. I think Ferrari might be heading in a different direction supporting Kimi, I guess we will see how it pans out.

That picture of him with the tuffed up hair was mentioned too and how McLaren would have had a cow if he appeared like that for them, they also said it was a good thing Russ Braun is not around he would have a similar reaction. So maybe Russ' exit is not such a bad thing. I am excited to see how the team melds as the season progresses.

[MFAFF]

Jim,

The corporate approach is massively strong at McLaren....they take it very very seriously....

I'm not surprised that Fernando has had to toe the line....Ron Dennis is the most successful team principle out there and his word is the only rule....not suitable for everyone...but his record is pretty good, so it can't all be bad.

[the]

It's going to be one of the most interesting F1 seasons in many years.

of course any season in which MS drove was a very special season. he was the greatest F1 driver of all time. so a lot is lost by his absence.

but many great stories to watch:

1. Kimi at Ferrari of course the top story. most acknowledge he is the fastest driver, now he is in the fastest car. can he do it?

2. The Champ, Alonso, moves to McLaren, a team that hasn't won a single race since 2005. Can he turn the team around? Clearly, MS could have, he proved his brilliance in that, beyond any doubt, more than once.

3. Not PC to say, but it's a fact, and it is interesting whenever any new nationality or race joins the F1 circus, but Alonso will be paired at McLaren with the first black driver in F1, Lewis Hamilton. Supposedly very fast. Coming into a team like McLaren, paired with the Champ, though, has to be the toughest seat in F1.

4. Renault has another new Finnish driver, can't remember his name (they all sound the same!), but he's supposedly very, very fast.

5. Been a long time since there is only one tire supplier, but this year will be only Bstone.

[sammyg2]

LOL, had to bring this back. Looks like jluetjen is the only one in the thread to mention Hamilton.

[bell]

haha.....hey eric.....keep the faith buddy
no one expected hamilton.....

[URY914]

Eric, how is that humble pie?

[sammyg2]

Eric, you nailed it. Got any good lottery numbers?

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Just what F1 needs, such an outspoken, articulate and charismatic driver that everyone can rally behind. Way to go Mr. Personality.

Kimi is a damn good driver, no doubt. However, listening to him is about as exciting as watching paint dry.

[kang]

It ain't over until all the protests have been heard. Apparently McLaren is appealing a decision that, if upheld, will result in the disqualifications of Nico Rosberg, Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica. This would make Lewis the champion.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7055644.stm