Formula One: Fernando Alonso says the title race begins now
The title race in Formula One is truly on. The 2010 season is hitting its climax and with just 4 races to go, it is all set to be a Hollywood finish in Abu Dhabi. Fernando Alonso, the 2 time world champion who won the last 2 races to emerge as a strong contender
for the title has said that "the championship starts now".
The Ferrari driver is just 11 points behind the table topper Mark Webber after a flawless win in Singapore’s lit circuit. This was his 2nd win in Singapore in 3 races, and now the Spaniard says he is feeling at the peak of his powers and in best
shape of his life.
Fernando Alonso has hit a green patch in recent times and after some struggling races in middle of the season, Alonso has won 3 of last 5 races. He leapfrogged Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Sebastian Vettel and now has sent out a clear warning saying
best is yet to come from him and his team.
"Right now, at this point of the championship, I'm at a peak - 100% motivated, focused etc," said Alonso.
"A championship that is nine months long rarely happens in other sports.”
Fernando Alonso added that being with Ferrari has made things a lot different for him this season. He said that when he joined the team he did not know that it is not like joining a team but actually embracing a whole new culture. The Spaniard said that
every single person in the team works towards the same goals and facilitates the drivers at every possible opportunity. Alonso went on to say that when he was with McLaren or Renault, it was no easy to travel so much and stay fresh but with Ferrari, things
are a lot different.
"Sometimes in past championships in September, I was getting tired, what with all these long flights, getting very stressed.”
"But this year it is different. It feels like the championship is starting now, so I feel very happy we will be going to Japan next race," added the Ferrari driver.
It really has been an astonishing comeback by Fernando in the final 3rd of 2010 season. The 2 time world champion has won in Germany, Italy and in Singapore. He has been able to outscore his rivals by between 19 and 56 points.
Stefano Domenicali, team principal at Ferrari believes that the final 4 race would be tough not just on the body but also on the minds of the drivers. Moreover, whoever can take the stress would come out on top.
"As we all know the car is crucial with regard to reliability and performance," he stated.
"But we also know that when things are so close, and there are certain moments that are the main moments of either qualifying or the race, the difference is really in the head”
Stefano went on to say that when the drivers are in the cockpit, there are many split second decisions that they have to make, and thinking on his feet may be the best ability one could posses. He added though that not to state the obvious but having a good
car is also integral for a good performance.
"It is because you have to be there in the right moment without risking too much because if you do then you may suffer problems.”
"It's an area where the fight will be very intense, but I don't want to say it's the only area because if you don't have a good car, forget it."
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