Late surge by Alonso

Losing the drivers’ championship last year for Alonso was heart breaking. He’s at his prime (actually…still is) and to think he’s driving a technologically advanced car like the McLaren… it’s so hard to imagine or should I say ironic that he lost his winning streak. Well, the human factor at McLaren last year failed him and though it might be a wrong move on his part, he returned to his previous team (Renault) whose car as critics would label technologically inferior.

The early and mid season races were more heart breaking for Alonso. Critics can’t be more accurate as season start predictions become a reality. But you can’t just discount him right away. Out of the blue, at the historic first ever night race in F1 history at Singapore, the all too familiar white, orange and yellow blew the competition! Everybody is awed with what happened though deep down inside happy that this once… twice F1 Drivers’ Champion finally scored a first place podium finish for 2008.

The successful Singapore GP pushed the drivers to the edge even though it’s considerably well lit compared to Le Man’s 24-hour Race. Frankly, I never expected Alonso to win it. Everybody’s saying his Renault F1 car is slow that it cannot keep up with the Ferrari’s and the McLaren’s. The only comfort I guess with the Singapore GP track that may have swayed in Renault’s favor is that it’s not a fast track with 23 turns... some bumpy. Steady drive for Alonso coupled with other drivers having problems with pit stops (Massa could have won the race if not for issues with the auto/electronic lollipop) and again the bumpy portion of the road at turns sealed the deal. So after the race blessed with no rain (which could have made the race more exciting but unsafe) thanks to modern technologies… I thought the win by Alonso was a fluke.

The Japan GP track unlike the Singaporean GP track is much faster and there are only 16 turns. Again, Alonso with his Renault is not expected to win. But then, a controversial “turn 1” resulted to a drive through penalty for Hamilton (which he deserves by the way!) and Massa incurred the same penalty after hitting Hamilton (which caused him to spun… which he deserves again!) in a later turn cost the race for both drivers. Kubica who’s a consistent podium finisher this season could have or should have won the race. But excellent strategy coupled with an inferior car that can’t do anything wrong, Alonso won for the second straight time.

Winning two races in a row is not unusual for Alonso. But really winning this season although already late because Massa, Kubica and Hamilton are the only drivers competing for the drivers’ championship is somehow a prelude of what is to come for F1. Contention of the drivers’ championship, which started last season, is no longer limited to two well-known drivers. I have to give credit to Hamilton who’s been competitive since his first year and have stirred excitement and controversies with his on and off the track antics. Next year would be more exciting for F1 as BMW, Renault together with some emerging teams as they get more competitive would be able to bring the heat to the Ferrari’s and McLaren’s. For Renault however, it would depend on Alonso should he decide… to stay.