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[Gaz]

Santander says Alonso-Ferrari deal is 'dream'
Racing series F1
Date 2009-08-26

By Motorsport.com/GMM

The only missing element to the Santander/Ferrari sponsorship deal beginning in 2010 is an official press announcement.

It is an open secret in the F1 paddock that the Spanish bank will switch from McLaren at the end of the year, presumably to team up with Fernando Alonso at Ferrari.

Asked about the rumours, Santander's executive vice president for communications and corporate marketing Juan Manuel Cendoya told AS newspaper: "The world's best bank, the world's best team, the world's best driver -- without doubt that is a dream combination for any sponsor."

However, it has been whispered in recent days that McLaren is trying everything to retain Santander; including - according to El Mundo newspaper - by asking the bank if wooing Alonso back to the Mercedes powered team would change its mind.

The German newspaper TZ said contact has been made by officials of the Woking based team to Alonso's manager Luis Garcia Abad.

"At no time have I spoken with Fernando Alonso about contracts," Mercedes' Norbert Haug said in a teleconference for German media this week.

"We talk from time to time and I send him a SMS if he drives a good race. But never (do we talk) about contracts," he insisted.

Can't really see this happening but i wouldn't be unhappy if it did, 2007 was great for team mate battles. And now Lewis is a WDC and Alosno seams to have mellowed abit from being in a midfield they might respect each other more.

Also Ron has gone so hopfully Martin can manage them better.

[billindenver]

I vote Nay! If such a deal were to happen, I predict a trainwreck.

[Selcouth_Feline]

Can't see this happening.

But then I'm wrong most of the time!

[McLaren Fan]

I don't see this happening, solely because I don't think Alonso would be prepared to be on even terms with Hamilton. If that issue was overcome, I could see the move happening (but I don't think it likely), as Dennis is gone from McLaren; Whitmarsh is more likeable, and he has admitted there were mistakes on McLaren's part; Hamilton has his title for McLaren, so there is less pressure on the team to deliver for him; and McLaren are a serious force in Formula One. Yes, there is an element of risk to it, but it's one worth taking: Hamilton is not quite the finished article yet, but is learning fast; and Alonso is the best all-rounder on the grid. All in all, a pretty useful combination.

[Juliet P]

Not in a million, gadzillion years...

[billindenver]

I don't see this happening, solely because I don't think Alonso would be prepared to be on even terms with Hamilton. If that issue was overcome, I could see the move happening (but I don't think it likely), as Dennis is gone from McLaren; Whitmarsh is more likeable, and he has admitted there were mistakes on McLaren's part; Hamilton has his title for McLaren, so there is less pressure on the team to deliver for him; and McLaren are a serious force in Formula One. Yes, there is an element of risk to it, but it's one worth taking: Hamilton is not quite the finished article yet, but is learning fast; and Alonso is the best all-rounder on the grid. All in all, a pretty useful combination.

I see your point, but I think it the other way. When they were team mates, it was Hamilton who could not give equal footing. For instance, when the team was alternating who goes out first in quali, it was Hamilton who could not give Alonso his turn. It was Hamilton who disregarded team orders and jumped out in front of Alonso which showed a blatant disregard for his team mate as well as that team mates entire supporting staff. That was the beginning of the end in my mind, because no man, let alone a WDC racing driver is going to allow someone to snub them like that in front of their entire team without retaliating. Alonso did so, and the war was on from that point...brought on completely by Hamilton's ego. Hamilton's attitude this past race in the press conference was a thing of beauty, it really was. He took the team's gaff like a man and I was quite impressed with what he said and how he said it but I would have to see that for more than one race before I think he is ready for a team mate who he can not dominate at will. He is maturing, but I don't think his ego is quite that aged yet. It would be nice to see, because I think the kid has talent...but then so did Villeneuve.

[headless]

If Hammy left Alonso might go, but I understand him, I'd prefer to not have Hammy as a team mate.

[McLaren Fan]

I see your point, but I think it the other way. When they were team mates, it was Hamilton who could not give equal footing. For instance, when the team was alternating who goes out first in quali, it was Hamilton who could not give Alonso his turn. It was Hamilton who disregarded team orders and jumped out in front of Alonso which showed a blatant disregard for his team mate as well as that team mates entire supporting staff. That was the beginning of the end in my mind, because no man, let alone a WDC racing driver is going to allow someone to snub them like that in front of their entire team without retaliating. Alonso did so, and the war was on from that point...brought on completely by Hamilton's ego. Hamilton's attitude this past race in the press conference was a thing of beauty, it really was. He took the team's gaff like a man and I was quite impressed with what he said and how he said it but I would have to see that for more than one race before I think he is ready for a team mate who he can not dominate at will. He is maturing, but I don't think his ego is quite that aged yet. It would be nice to see, because I think the kid has talent...but then so did Villeneuve.

Yeah, this is true also.

[Jabberwocky]

the only way Alonso will go back to McLaren is if Hamilton was not there. Maybe they are after a replacement for hamilton and not Heikki like we all assume

[myownalias]

I doubt that Alonso will go back to McLaren. Despite what happened in 2007 I believe that Alonso won't go to a team unless he has clear #1 status, that won't happen at McLaren! I believe Alonso's only destination other than sticking with Renault is Ferrari, be it next year or 2011.

[Frosty]

If it will work then yeah it would be cool to have him back!

[darwin dali]

I doubt that Alonso will go back to McLaren. Despite what happened in 2007 I believe that Alonso won't go to a team unless he has clear #1 status, that won't happen at McLaren! I believe Alonso's only destination other than sticking with Renault is Ferrari, be it next year or 2011.

What makes you think Ferrari would grant him no. 1 status? I'm sure KR or FM would have something to say about that...

[darwin dali]

the only way Alonso will go back to McLaren is if Hamilton was not there. Maybe they are after a replacement for hamilton and not Heikki like we all assume

Ooooh, conspiracy!

Anyway, yes, I can't see FA go back to McLaren unless certain things are in place there. RD being gone is certainly one of them, but probably not enough.

[Burak Bülbül]

i think next year Fernando stay in Renault.Ferrari or Mclaren speculations are all fool.

[myownalias]

I doubt that Alonso will go back to McLaren. Despite what happened in 2007 I believe that Alonso won't go to a team unless he has clear #1 status, that won't happen at McLaren! I believe Alonso's only destination other than sticking with Renault is Ferrari, be it next year or 2011.

What makes you think Ferrari would grant him no. 1 status? I'm sure KR or FM would have something to say about that...

Raikkonen is probably more than likely off to WRC next year, and Massa will more than likely be happy to play second fiddle like he did to Schumacher. And besides Ferrari have (at least in recent history) favoured one driver over another. And he definitely gets preferential treatment at Renault!