Fernando Alonso rekindles the title race by a spectacular win in Monza
The title race in F1 is on once again up for a fiery competition as Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso made a remarkable comeback in the title reckoning by winning the Italian Grand Prix
Alonso said that win In Monza was one his most hard fought wins, and also one of the most enjoyable one, as he had break sweat for it.
The Spaniard who joined the Italian team this season, was greeted by thousands of cheering fans at the Monza circuit as in the process he made a home win for Ferrari possible since 2006.
Alonso said "It's something only really to compare with the Spanish Grand Prix victory in 2006,"
"It is a very special win and very special feelings right now, difficult to express but a great feeling."
It was his 3rd win this season and now Alonso is in the thicket of leaders when it comes to the title contention. It did not come off easy though, as Alonso had to fight tooth and nail throughout with Jenson Button for the win in Italy.
It was first win for Ferrari at their home circuit since 2006 however it wasn’t Alonso’s first at the historic Monza circuit that started hosting F1 races in 1922.
The 2 time world champion also won in Italy back in 2007; however the reception for Alonso was a lot different for him as he was member of a rival team back then.
Reflecting back on his last win at Monza Alonso said:”In 2007 there were not very nice words because I was in McLaren fighting Ferrari,”
“But here now it is very different, this welcome and support by everyone is great and Felipe (Massa) and me, we had a fantastic weekend.”
Alonso added that when he joined Ferrari he knew he was going into a whole new culture, but never knew it would be so enjoyable an dhe would be having so much fun. He said that he has enjoyed his time with the team to the fullest, and the culture and dynamics of Ferrari have suited him to a great degree. On the reception by Italian fans he said that he could have never imagined to be welcomed with such warmth and open arms and he loved every moment of it.
Alonso said: “I have been on the podium in the past with Ferrari drivers and to have them all cheering for me is fantastic and quite a shock.”
Before the race Fernando Alonso was 41 points adrift of Lewis Hamilton who was leading the driver’s leader board. He was lying on 5th spot in the table; the win in Italy has propelled him to 3rdspot and is now 21 points off pace. Mark Webber from Red Bull now leads the table with Lewis Hamilton in 2nd.
Mark Webber regained lead from Hamilton at the top by 5 points, as the 2008 champion was knocked out of the race following a crash with Ferrari’s Felipe Massa on the first lap.
Fernando Alonso almost turned back time, and showed qualities which made Ferrari bring him in the team. It was pretty much a flawless performance from the Spaniard. Who did not start the race on a best note conceding the lead to Button, but the manner in which he stayed on the Brit’s tail and later pitted and came back in front was phenomenal.
Jenson Button is currently 4th in the driver standings just ahead of Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel. The top 5 drivers in the table are now separated by only 24 points. That means one race win can change the whole scenario of the title race and now that there are 5 races left in the season, the title race is open wide.
After the race Fernando Alonso said that this was always going to a pivotal weekend in terms of the title race. He added that it was imperative for him to win the race, because a slip up at this stage could have sent his rivals in the distance. He went on to say that now with just 5 races to go it’s all in the melting pot now.
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