Announced: Alonso (and Piquet) to Renault

[Scott at Pelican Parts]

Curious to see who gets the second McLaren seat.

[legion]

Bring back Kimi!

Alonso is where he belongs. Now I just hope he gets what he deserves.

[tchanson]

Woking has has been floating de la Rosa as a sop to the Spanish sponsors to fill the seat, but I'd be shocked if it doesn't go to Heikki, who will give Ron's golden baby Lewie fits, I suspect.





Tim

[fumanchu]

Where does Kovalainen go? He had a poor start to last years season, but came on in the end. To be replaced by Piquet jr.... an excellent driver, but an unknown in F1 competition is risky IMHO. I guess you never know with Flavio.

Did I miss the news on this one?

[Scott at Pelican Parts]

Here's the link

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7136498.stm

[Paco Anton]

Originally Posted by legion

Alonso is where he belongs. Now I just hope he gets what he deserves.

Totally agreed!!!

Alonso belongs where he won 2 straight championships and he will get what he deserves, that is a third (and fourth) championship!!!

Definitely he did not belong in McLaren where he got no respect and could not win what he deserved.

If the Renault is half good we will see an interesting season, more so taking into account that no TC will mean the true drivers will shine.

[legion]

Okay, Paco, you're a Spaniard, so I'll cut you some slack. (Have I mentioned that I have family in Spain?)

That still doens't mean I'll ever like Alonso.

[cairns]

Inrerestingly I started last year as an Alonso fan. But when I went to the Spanish GP I was astonished at how many Spaniards did not like him- they believed he was arrogant and selfish.

My hindsight says they were right. They just forgot to add "traitorous cheat".

[Paco Anton]

Originally Posted by legion

Okay, Paco, you're a Spaniard, so I'll cut you some slack. (Have I mentioned that I have family in Spain?)

That still doens't mean I'll ever like Alonso.

Legion, thanks for your understanding.

I can't say I like him a lot myself but, hey! this is a unique opportunity for us as a country to enjoy F1. He is a bit arrogant (well, maybe a lot) but, he is one of us.

On the other hand, De la Rosa is as nice as it gets. He has commented the last seasons for the Spanish TV and I'd love for him to get the other McLaren car.

[Jim Garfield]

I can only hope that Piquet jr. is as talented as his dad and will, as a rookie, outshine the despicable Alonso as Hamilton did.

This quote from the BBC article is interesting as it shows how insecure and pampered Alonso is.

"Kovalainen, who is managed by team boss Flavio Briatore, was considered by the team to be good enough to challenge Alonso, and therefore keeping him was not in the interests of a harmonious team."

[FastCarFan]

Piquet Sr. says that Piquet Jr. will "shock the F1 world with his speed". If that proves to be true, Fernando will have another rookie thorn in his side.

One thing is likely to be different: unlike at McLaren, I am sure Renault has told Alonso that he will be the clear #1 driver, which should give him some advantages. On the other hand, if Piquet is quicker, without the advantages of being the #1 team driver, it will hurt Alonso even more.

It will be fun to watch. Now the question is who will get the 2nd McLaren seat? I think it will be Heikki, although Pedro is probably also very likely.

[barney911rs]

I'm in the same boat as cairns. I like Alonsoin the beginning, but his actions throughout the year really left a lot to be desired. It will be interesting to see how he reacts if Piquet Jr challenges him.

[Seric]

Karma.