Fernando Alonso threatened by Red Bull’s pace but dismisses fear from Hamilton
The Ferrari driver, Fernando Alonso announced once again that the Red Bull racing still has the fastest car of the season.
The first two practice sessions prior to this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, took place at the Yas Marina Circuit this Friday. The first session saw the Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel mark the fastest lap, whereas the McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton, was
the second fastest on the track. While at the second session, Hamilton ended up quickest, while Vettel followed him for second place. Despite of the brilliant finish of the McLaren driver, Alonso believes that the pace of Red Bull is still unmatched.
As the second practice session unfolded at the magnificent track, Alonso settled himself at third pace, sandwiched between the two Red Bull drivers. On the other hand, his teammate, Felipe Massa ended the first practice at 11th spot while the second was
wrapped by him at 6th position.
After the fourth place finish by Hamilton at the Brazilian Grand Prix, he was thought to be an outsider for the championship battle. His 24 points deficit from the charts’ topper, the title was thought to be unachievable target for the driver. However, at
the last practice session, the aggressive young man once again jumped into the tug for the title with full force.
However, Alonso still does not consider him a tough rival for himself. The Spanish driver, rather very happily invited him to the battle, convinced that his strong performance will only help Alonso bag the third world championship title.
With his 246 points, the Ferrari driver tops the charts, whereas Mark Webber of Red Bull posses the toughest threat to him by occupying second place in the charts. Webber is only eight points off the charts’ toper and with the fast paced RB6 his chances
of victory are quite high. If Webber bags victory at the next race while Alonso finishes lower than second place, the championship would go to the Red Bull driver.
Looking at the current situation, Alonso believes that Hamilton could help him keep Webber off the top place. Moreover, even if Hamilton is able to bag victory that is not going to affect Alonso as long as he does not finish out of points.
Similarly, if Vettel bags victory at the next race and Webber ends second, Alonso only needs to finish at fourth place to pack the third title of his career.
After the Fridays’ practice Alonso reckons that the Red Bull is still the fastest on the track although he is happy with his pace as well. "For us it was a good Friday because we managed to do a lot of laps and try some set-up possibilities for tomorrow
which we'll have to analyse today. In terms of how competitive we are, or how competitive other people are, we know that Friday is not very representative.”
Red Bull is surely the favourite for Sunday’s race even if Hamilton has leaped back in the fight at a time when he was considered more as an outsider.
"Hopefully McLaren can do a good job and be on pole, but I guess Red Bull was not 100 per cent today… We just need a competitive car tomorrow, a good start, good pit stops and good race pace,” the Spaniard said.
While talking of his aspirations and fears, he said that is feeling very calm about this weekend as he is looking for a dramatic end of an unprecedented season.
"I'm still feeling good, very relaxed yesterday and today. Sure, tomorrow and Sunday will be more stressful as you approach the important race,” the Spanish driver concluded saying.
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