Alonso in Ferrari in 2010. True or False?

Question

I just want to get away from the McLaren/Hamilton/FIA discussions. Tired of them already. Let's focus on a major speculation: Alonso in Ferrari in 2010!!! Most experts and European press give it for granted. The premise is the certainty of Spanish banking group "Banco Santander" to be Ferrari's major sponsor starting from 2010. Rumors have it that Banco Santander wants a Spanish driver at Ferrari. Also, Ferrari needs a car developer and Alonso suits those needs. Now, all of this sounds good and dandy, but I would like to have your opinions regarding this issue, and if you think Alsono can take the responsibility to replace the old Michael Schumacher in his role of #1 driver-developer. And knowing that Massa is unquestionably fast, would it create conflicts as we have seen at McLaren in 2007? Then, can Alonso be faster than Massa on same equipment? Would Ferrari make a smart move, or are they looking for trouble? In the same respect, is Alonso looking for trouble, or can he succeed? Everyone goes on the assumption that Kimi will go, but will he be the one out? A lot of questions, I know...but they are all related.

Answer 1

You better have some deal with Yahoo! to give the best answer 150 points!



I would like to see Alonso in a Ferrari. He is the best driver out there and comes in as the perfect package as driver-developer. Add to that Santander's backing, it could be the beginning of another era of total domination. The only reason for me to frown would be if he gets that seat due to some ethnicity.



Kimi is the one who is likely to go out. His salary is higher and his results these days don't justify the pay. The car is a dud, but then so is the McLaren and Hamilton is putting it beyond where it should be. That kind of commitment is missing from Kimi. Put Alonso and Massa with the same machinery and Alonso would be lapping Massa towards the end of the race. (That might be exaggerated but you get my drift)



I have to disagree with Cav on the statement that Alonso cracks under the pressure of a competent team mate. The treatment he got in 2007 could be a reason and he came even with his team mate in the end of the season. So I'd say he did it better despite the odds.



It feels good to be talking on something that makes sense....

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Edit @ Rockpool: When Alonso left for McLaren, they were not the best car around, judging by the 2006 performance no one would have wanted to go to McLaren at that time.

Answer 2

Have you been on the sherry? that's about 15 questions! Getting your money's worth for your 5 points eh?

I'm not sure how this will go, Ferrari certainly need a leader that the team can focus on, and they desperately need a driver that can develop the car, Alonso could do both roles admirably , Kimi seems favorite to leave, he did well in 2007 but since he has been poor and has been out raced by Massa too often, As much as i don't want to get involved in more Hamilton nonsense, I do think Hamilton's lets say lack of respect to Alonso probably caused the rift between them at McLaren, I think Massa is more mature than that, his performance in defeat last year was one of the bravest examples of sportsmanship i've seen in a while. Ferrari over the years have never shown great loyalty to any driver that's not pulling their weight,so i'd think if Kimmy doesn't improve in the next 4 or 5 races he'll be out and the only logical replacement would be Alonso, and the prestige of being at Ferrari would be too much for Alonso to turn down. So there you go, I think it's in Kimmi's hands, if he starts to lead Ferrari in the next few races he stays if he doesn't Alonso takes over.

PS, It is good to get away from liar-gate!

Answer 3

I think it will now be difficult for any of the two parties to be excited about it. Alonso hasn't been particularly impressive in the first races of the season and Ferrari is in bad bad shape. If it happens, they will have to offer him a hefty salary and even then, they will need to work very hard and have a little bit of luck to bring Ferrari back to the front.



Alonso will require number one status, that is obvious by now. That is a problem considering that Massa is naturally fast and Alonso seems to crack when his teammate is in good shape. I don't really think it would be succesful partnership but what choice do they have. Both parties seem to have no better choice right now. Unless Vettel can break free, that is.



It would be hilarious if they ended up having an Alonso - Piquet lineup. At the same time, I would feel bad for poor Nelsinho for not being given a chance to not be a number 2 for once in his career.



Edit: @Firefox: It's true that we must take into account what rosbif calls the 'Ron effect', which probably affected his laptimes, particularly after Belgium 2007. But I'm actually talking about races like Canada 2007, where he just seemed to make one mistake after another and it was also when Hamilton got his first pole position and victory.



Alonso is still a tremendous driver and I really hope he can bring Ferrari back to the winning days, I just wouldn't put my money on it. It would be awesome to see him battle Hamilton in a Ferrari, causing more Senna-Prost flashbacks but hopefully without all the controversy.



I think that given a couple more years, Vettel will be the driver that Ferrari needs. He seems to be more into the mechanical side than many other drivers that are more experienced than him. An Alonso - Vettel line up would probably produce the ultimate car but then it would also be a little self destructive.

Answer 4

Santander is set to become a sponsor for Ferrari in 2010, but both Massa and Raikkonen are contracted for 2010. The general belief is that Alonso will remain at Renault for 2010 before moving to Ferrari for 2011.



Which driver will move aside is unknown at this time. Massa has been with the team longer, yet Raikkonen often appears unmotivated. It could be either, but I'm assuming that Ferrari in 2011 will consist of Alonso and Massa.

Answer 5

Alonso wants to be at Ferrari one day. Ferrari wants Alonso one day.

But if the red cars are not fast enough to win the title, Alonso would rather be somewhere else. Things will depend on how the Maranello squad improves their car this year and the next year. Alonso would want to be pretty certain that the team he is going to will be a winning one.

Kimi will be the one to go. No question. He has a contract for another year after this year. Who knows what he wants to do and who knows what DiMontezemolo is going to do about it.

It will be interesting to see the battle between Massa and Alonso. Schumi will be favouring his "Mini-Me" Massa. Alonso will be driving with the yellow camera on top. Will he spit the dummy like he did at McLaren? But seriously, I think Alonso should be able to deal with Massa pretty easily and show everyone who is Numero Uno.

Answer 6

Wow how long i have waited to answer this question. LOL Alonso has a high chance of being in red next year. Theres a schumy era written all over him. Granted ferrari suck right now and f1 is unpredictable with its ever changing rules, but alonso will help develop a better car. Kimi is a good driver but lets face it hes just not interested in racing anymore. I think Massa isnt gonna be able to keep up with alonso, although i can see the two forming a good duo. I for one have been waiting for this move forever. You want live proof that alonso wants it badly? In a recent interview he was asked about ferraris current struggles and he back them 100%. He said ferrari is a big chunk of this sport and they will be back soon. I was thinking with their form he'd be hesitant to comment or even hold back his reaction cause it would be negative, but the fact he''d say that tells me hes convinced hes going there and he doesnt care what anyone has to say. As a ferrari fan no one would gain my interest more than alonso, except vettel, but i bet ferrari want alonso because he has experience and vettel might come in the future. Mark my words thou, alonso is ferrari bound.

Answer 7

It's impossible to know now...but I would say Alonso will join Ferrari. Having him, Ferrari would definitely benefit as he is undoubtly one of the best drivers. An example was where in Singapore, he started close to last but still won that Grand Prix.

Answer 8

silly season will end soon.. :) with clear expectation that Brawn and either one of their drivers got the world champ, lets just move on to the next season already, where Ferrari and McLaren back on the top of their game, joined with Brawn and Red Bull......

Answer 9

False..

Answer 10

False.