Ferrari signs Alonso for 2008 season!

[cashflyer]

Did I miss this in another thread?

We're going to call this one a rumor for at least a little while, but wow. We just got wind of this monster deal that would really cause a major stir in the already tumultuous world of Formula One. News of the World just reported that two-time world driving champion Fernando Alonso is leaving McLaren-Mercedes next year. While that was considered a sure thing in the wake of Stepneygate and all, the real shocker is that he isn't headed to Renault to be reunited with Flavio Briatore as expected. Instead, they have him going to Ferrari of all places. The report says that a cool $40 million was the price to secure Alonso for the scuderia. As they point out, it should be a relatively easy transition for Fernando, who has already been *ahem* studying design features of the Ferrari all season.

With current Ferrari pilot Felipe Massa headed to Toyota, Fernando will be joining current #3 in the driver's race, Kimi Raikkonen, in '08. It should make for another interesting battle over who's number one. The same article that tells of Fernando going to Maranello also bolsters the rumor that Ross Brawn will be stepping up as team manager when Jean Todt leaves at the end of the season. It's not often that the silly season starts this early, but this has been a very atypical year for the FIA and its premier racing class. We'll do some digging and see if we can find other sources to back this one up. But until then, this can only make the last three races of the season more compelling TV.

[Source: TopSpeed]

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/24/breaking-alonso-to-ferrari-for-40-mil/

[Aerkuld]

Silly season rumors - ALREADY?
There may be some truth to this. I have very little doubt that Alonso will stay at McLaren next year, but I thought that there was some argument prior to him joining McLaren over who would have #1 driver status assuming Kimi stayed. Providing that Kimi isn't moving from Ferrari then Alonso would presumably be landing himself right in the middle of that one again. Maybe he can't afford to be so fussy now?

[kang]

I don’t think either Kimi or Alonso would accept any position other than the number 1 driver on a team, so I don’t see this happening.

[scottmandue]

Fernando Vs Kimi? Does Ferrari really want it's team members punting each other off the track?

[TheMentat]

I think he'd be better off at Ferrari than at McLaren. I'm sure he's getting pretty sick of teaming up with Ron's baby...

[frogger]

It's just a RUMOR, at least for now.

[sammyg2]

LOL, I posted this on 9-16-07:
"Whaddaya think the chances are of having Kimi and Alonso both driving for ferrari next year? Nah, prolly slim and none. Sure would be cool tho."

At the time I figured it was only wishhful thinking, now it might come true? wierd.

[Rearden]

I doubt it -- Alonso will demand to be the clear number one driver with his next team.

[frogger]

Alonso's pissy attitude about not being treated with preference over Hamilton would likely continue if he was to go to Ferrari, where Kimi would challenge him in a similar manner.

[Aerkuld]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

LOL, I posted this on 9-16-07:
"Whaddaya think the chances are of having Kimi and Alonso both driving for ferrari next year? Nah, prolly slim and none. Sure would be cool tho."

At the time I figured it was only wishhful thinking, now it might come true? wierd.

Maybe journalists scour the Pelican OT board for stories?

Let's see what other rumors we can start!

Elve's stole Ferrari's secrets and gave them to McLaren while Stepney and Coughlan were simply discussing 'grid girls' on the phone.

Renault to use gererators in 2008.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I wonder if McLaren will hire Scott Speed for their #2 guy.

[frogger]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

I wonder if McLaren will hire Scott Speed for their #2 guy.

Speed's now a NASCAR guy.

[sammyg2]

Bush hates Mclaren, ferrari is responsible for 9/11, bin Laden is pulling the strings at FIA

[frogger]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

Bush hates Mclaren, ferrari is responsible for 9/11, bin Laden is pulling the strings at FIA

Finally, someone is making sense!

[m325ix]

that is an awesome rumor !

now bring F1 back to Watkins Glen and let the passing begin

[sammyg2]

I expected Speed to end up driving an IRL car which I consider to be minor league to CART. He sicks but he's gotta be as good as danica.

I figured he's too much of a west coast white ghetto wanna-be rapper younger generation type to make it in NASCAR. i was rooting for him to suceed until I saw him in an interview with his ball cap on sideways, prolly had his pants pulled down to his knees too with his boxers handing out and I'm not sure but I thought he flashed a gang sign, didn't show that. After seeing him like that I lost all respect and gave vup on him, didn't want someone like that representing the good ole US of A.
Maybe NASCAR is going after the MTV- crowd now. good for them. Breaking folding chairs over the backs of other drivers will be no big deal.

i can see it now, JACKASS 3 NASCAR edition featuring DE jr. punking on Jeff Gordon.

[chapo]

IRL inferior to CART? Thats funny. Both series aren't exactly pinnacle anymore, but at least the IRL has people I've actually heard of driving. Cart can't even get their schedule straight, and mix and match drivers based on $$$ and nationality to pander to whatever country they are trying to race in. I read yesterday Scott Speed had a hard time the first time in the stock car because he had to fasten his own belts and carry his own helmet. Boo Hoo!

[frogger]

I think Speed is faster than the Vettel kid that replaced him. STR is just a ***** team. It can not be sugar coated.

[sammyg2]

Speed was prolly faster, but he had trouble finishing a race. too many DNFs.

I based my opinion that IRL is minor league to CART based solely on the level of driver talent.
I think that the CART drivers on average are much better than those in IRL.
Who's the American guy that got booted from cart last year only to do very well in IRL? can't remember his name right now.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

They could always get Sebastian Bourdais from Champ. . . Oh wait, he wants to drive for Renault. He says that pretty much every day.

Or better yet, get him on McLaren and Paul Tracy in Ferrari. That'd be some fun carnage to watch.