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Alonso Moves To Ferrari
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Fernando Alonso waves to the crowd
Double world champion Fernando Alonso made his first visit to the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy yesterday. The current sporting regulations governing Formula One racing prevent any testing of next year's cars until February, so he spent his time getting fitted to the car. Every great racing driver since 1950 has wanted to drive for the Ferrari team at some point in his career and Alonso is no exception. He has been with Renault for most of his Formula One seasons, except for a very short stay at McLaren Mercedes. He won two world titles driving for Renault and no doubt expects to win more now that he is with the vaunted Ferrari squad.
But life in Formula One is never predictable. This year, Ferrari only finished fourth in the manufacturers championship, its worst performance in decades. Since the departure of super star Michael Schumacher, who piled up 7 world titles with Ferrari, the team has been in disarray. The previously all conquering Ferrari race cars have looked mighty ordinary of late.
And Alonso has a bit of history dogging him, too. His year at McLaren Mercedes was marked by much pouting and several childish outbursts. He is a prima donna who sulks if he doesn't get his own way. As brilliant as he is on the track, he can be a handful off the track. No one at McLaren was sorry to seem him go.
His teammate next season will be Felipe Massa, (left) who is recovering after gettting hit in the face by a spring at 160 mph. The impact shattered his skull. Massa also teamed with Schumacher when Michael had a clause in his contract that required his co-driver to pull over and let him by if necessary. Massa didn't particularly enjoy playing second fiddle and is unlikely to accept #2 status on the team again. Alonso's angry outbursts at McLaren were caused by not being given priority over new man Lewis Hamilton. What if Massa fails to be obedient to his wishes next year?
Alonso has also been associated with both of the biggest cheating scandals in Formula One history. Although not proven to have been directly involved either time, the coincidence is a little too convenient for some and whispers about him circulate freely in the paddock. There are some who might say to Ferrari, "Be careful what you wish for. You just might get it."
Photos courtesy of Associated Press.
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