2006 Suzuka GP

[Monseratto]

I don't expect FA won't be whining that much when he switches to Mclaren. He'd probably be pulling his locks out instead of whining. Did anyone notice Mclaren has not won a single race this year? Kaya si Kimi switched to Ferrari, malabo yung Mclaren.

[mazdamazda]

Yup... this might be the last year that Alonso will be competitive for a long time.

With the emergence of Honda, BMW and even Williams during the later part of the year as potential contenders - McLaren would have a difficult time next year. Not to mention that Michelin would be pulling out also next year.

Though even will all this - you can't take the fact away that Alonso is one heckuva good driver.

[CVT]

Bad day (and year) for Ferrari.

MS's actions after the incident,- waving to the fans, and shaking hands/hugging the Ferrari TEAM, et al, were indeed noteworthy!



:starwars:

[1D4LV]

nye. nahuli ako sa balita ah. schumi lost? so wala na sa kanya yung overall championship?

[jeff1101]

nye. nahuli ako sa balita ah. schumi lost? so wala na sa kanya yung overall championship?

He he, Alonso is such a party-pooper dont you think?

Seriously I think his "putting the pressure on" tactic works. It worked
for Raikkonen last year and it certainly contributed to MS's DNF this
race in Suzuka. I even think his "pressure" on the last GP (Chinese GP)
made a small contribution which finally took its toll on Schumi's car
on Lap 17.

Certainly MS can feel the pressure from Alonso. FA was only 5 seconds
off pace from Schumacher's car with 6 seconds at the most on some turns.
Also Schumi had just come off the pits freshly fuelled and with new tires.
I would imagine (again this is only speculation) that he may have revved
his engine a bit much on the laps in the hope of more quickly heating his
tires to the correct operating temperature for that spec.

Unfortunately for him that may have been 1 rev to many and total engine
failure ensued. I guess playing this tactic is a two edged sword for
Alonso could have DNF'd as well. However he was attacking, Schumi was not
so he has the advantage to pick the battle of his own choosing. Accelarating
in one turn (or pretending to accelerate) to panic Schumacher to make a
mistake.

Again this is purely speculation on my part.

[niky]

It was pure chance when Michael's engine blew, and it could have been either of them, as they were both pushing very hard... but they recognized that this was an all-or-nothing deal... whoever wins, wins.

RE: I know there was nothing Michael could have done about his blown engine... but in similar situations, other drivers would be stalking sullenly to the back of the pits without a word to anyone, throwing their helmet out into the grass in rage and disgust, complaining (Alonso) or just leaving the track altogether to find a dark place with cold beer (Kimi? )... Michael stayed for the end of the race, to motivate and support his team.

Sure, Fernando did thank his pit crew (you'd have to be a total oaf not to), but he was the winner. Personally, I don't put much stock in his supposed "whining"... he's at a very stressful period, he's young, emotional and very driven, and he may say things that are unwise at times, but that's just the heat of emotion speaking... let's just pray he doesn't turn into another Pablo Montoya.

AND: He really did have a point about "some people" in Renault not helping... but maybe he should have just said: "That nut guy over there..." :lol:

He can still lose it... but all he has to do next race is cruise... and if there's one thing Fernando does very well... it's cruise... he's a masterful slow driver and blocker, and he's very calm under pressure from an opponent sitting in his slipstream.