- 16 Oct 08, 17:43#73006From Planet F1:
Alonso reiterates his desire to help Massa beat Lewis
Thursday 16th October 2008
Fernando Alonso has reiterated his desire to help Felipe Massa beat Lewis Hamilton to the World title - but not by any means fair or foul.
Following the Japanese GP, which Alonso won, the Spaniard told the press that he do would do whatever he can to help Massa beat his former McLaren nemesis to the title.
And given Alonso's apparent animosity for Hamilton, this sparked some concerns that he would soon be bumping the Brit off the track should the two find themselves side-by-side.
Alonso, though, has clarified his comments, clearly stating that while he wants to see Massa beat Hamilton he will help only be taking points off the McLaren man and not by shunting him into retirement.
"Obviously I was waiting for this question," he told the media in Thursday's press conference in Shanghai.
"When I said this in Fuji now we have a competitive car it seems we are able to fight with Ferrari and McLaren," he added.
"And first of all we need to have a competitive car here in Shanghai and in Brazil to be fighting with McLaren and Ferrari, and if we do that and Felipe Massa wins the race and I am second or third, I will be happy for Felipe to take as many points as possible and this is the only approach."
Having said that, though, Alonso would rather the third man in the title race, Robert Kubica, claim the crown. But sitting at 12 points behind Hamilton, Alonso concedes it won't be easy.
"You can be here forever, and you cannot misunderstand what I said," he said. "When we say all these things, my best relationship is with Robert and I would like to see him win the Championship.
"But it is quite difficult because the performance of his car means it will be difficult to recover 12 points.
"But I will do my own job but when you see the results you prefer some teams to win or some teams to win compared to others.
"I will not be any key part to the Championship, whatever driver wins will win because he did a better job in the last two races."
He added: "You can take whatever you want from my comment but it is very simple."
Hamilton refuses to take the bait
Thursday 16th October 2008
Rather than engage in a war-of-words with Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton has told his old nemesis that he really doesn't care about what he has to say - right before being the bigger man and complimenting Renault.
The relationship between Hamilton and Alonso has been anything but pleasant since the two teamed up at McLaren last season. The rivalry caused a huge rift at Woking and ultimately resulted in Alonso leaving the team after just one season.
But despite not being team-mates the situation is still volatile with Alonso admitting in Thursday's press conference in China that he will do everything he can to help Felipe Massa beat Hamilton to this year's World title.
Hamilton, though, doesn't really care what Alonso has to say.
"I don't particularly have an opinion on it," Hamilton replied when asked about the comments.
"I focus on my job, if we can be competitive this weekend we will try and get points and be up front great, what the others do is up to them."
The Brit went on to prove that he is the bigger man by complimenting Renault on their improved performances rather than continuing to express his opinions on Alonso as he was asked to do.
"They (Renault) have done a fantastic job and great to see them do so well, and see how hard they have worked over the last two years," he said.
"Not a surprise to see them do so well, sure they will be pushing us hard through the weekend."
Ayrton Senna: WDC 1988,
1989, 1990, 1991
McLaren: WCC 1974, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1998,
1999, 2007 McLaren: WDC 1974, 1976, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2008
- By hass25