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[7UpJordan]

Alonso would be better off staying at Renault, at least for next year. This has been said a few times before but if he does go elsewhere and has a miserable time and Renault build a winning car and Piquet starts winning races I can picture Alonso kicking himself and pouting a heck of a lot more than now.

I'd say the key to Heidfeld's chances of retaining his seat at BMW next year all rely on his consistency over the last few remaining races. Any good points finishes mixed in with outside top 10 finishes may not be enough.

[scotty]

Piquet starts winning races

To quote Arnold J Rimmer - "...and on that day, Satan will be skating to work".

[Denthúl]

I think it all depends on what happens to Heidfeld in these last few races, though Alonso's hint that Toro Rosso is now the third fastest team on the grid may have been more than just a comment. I wouldn't mind seeing Alonso/Kubica at BMW as it would be a very strong pairing, but I really like Heidfeld.

I like him too and think h'es underated (driving style not good for quali) I also think Kubica would blow Alonso away!

His driving style is fine for qualifying provided he doesn't have car issues. He put his car on row two in third place at the opening round last year and again at the Canadian grand prix. Fourth place on the grid at Nurburgring, followed by another third at Hungaroring and a fourth at Monza. For pretty much the rest of the season he qualified consistently right behind the top four drivers. If the F1.08 was more like the MP4-23 on its tyres, Heidfeld would probably be in third place in the WDC due to Raikkonen and Kovalainen's low point tallies, as well as his own consistency as shown over the past few years.

He's not qualied as well as Kubica though he's raced well.

Down to his problems, that is. Last year, when the car suited him well-enough, he was well and truly best of the rest.

[McLaren Fan]

From F1 Live:

Two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso has singled out his friend Robert Kubica as his ideal pick for a Grand Prix team.

Amid speculation that Alonso might switch to BMW Sauber for 2009, Poland's 23-year-old Kubica this week said he would have no problem teaming up with the Spaniard.

"If I was a team boss I would take on Kubica," 27-year-old Alonso said in interview with Germany's Sport Bild.

"Why? Because he was always the fastest one, even in karts when he raced against Hamilton and Rosberg," he added.

© CAPSIS International
Source: GMM

Well, according to Alonso's logic, if Kubica is faster than Hamilton, and as Hamilton beat Alonso, I guess that means Alonso will get a kicking from Kubica.

[McLaren Fan]

From F1 Live:

Fernando Alonso has decided against switching to BMW Sauber or Honda for the 2009 season, according to the Spanish daily newspaper Diario AS.

The sports newspaper claims the 27-year-old Spaniard believes Renault, his current team, is likely to catch up with and pass BMW due to the sweeping rules changes next year.

Diario AS also said Alonso was reluctant to agree to BMW's contractual terms, where he would be bound to a multiple-year term rather than free - as he currently is - to accept a more competitive seat at the end of a season.

The newspaper said BMW finalised its offer to Alonso earlier this week, but that the former double World Champion also turned down Honda's bid, on the grounds that the Japanese team is not likely to be competitive as early as 2009.

"Of course I have to look around at the possibilities for next year that exist outside of Renault," Alonso said in interview with Germany's Sport Bild. "My priority is Renault, but only if we make a big step forwards with the 2009 car."

He confirmed that he has "three or four" options open to him for 2009, and that it is "no secret" that he has been in talks with Honda's team boss Ross Brawn.

© CAPSIS International
Source: GMM

[texasmr2]

Man I cannot stand that guy.

[EwanM]

Yeah this situation is getting pretty tiresome. But it could easily be press rumours as per usual.

[bud]

Yeah this situation is getting pretty tiresome. But it could easily be press rumours as per usual.

Na you dont give Lewis that benefit of the doubt

[EwanM]

Yeah this situation is getting pretty tiresome. But it could easily be press rumours as per usual.

Na you dont give Lewis that benefit of the doubt

Well Alonso hasn't actually said anything "for sure" on the situation. It certainly hasn't been very helpful in sorting out who drives what for next year though, which is annoying.
The things I pick up on Lewis about he actually says, especially on the ITV coverage.

[Dardas]

With all that rumours that Alonso will go somewhere or stay with Renault - he said that if he would be team boss - would like to have Kubica. Kubica said that he would be happy drive with Alonso. I always thought is about Alonso move to BMW but how about Kubica move to renault? Anyone thinks is possible?

[Denthúl]

With all that rumours that Alonso will go somewhere or stay with Renault - he said that if he would be team boss - would like to have Kubica. Kubica said that he would be happy drive with Alonso. I always thought is about Alonso move to BMW but how about Kubica move to renault? Anyone thinks is possible?

Don't think so. If Theissen was going to get Alonso, he'd probably ditch Heidfeld.

[McLaren Fan]

From Planet F1:

'Alonso to stay at Renault'
Sunday 21st September 2008

Fernando Alonso will reportedly remain at Renault next season after rejecting an offer from BMW.

Alonso is a hot commodity for next year's Championship as the double World Champion has yet to put pen to paper, making him arguably the best available driver.

And as such at least three teams are known to be chasing his signature; BMW, Honda and Renault.

However, according to Spanish sports daily AS it is Renault who are set to succeed in their quest after Alonso turned down BMW and ruled out Honda.

The newspaper reports that BMW offered Alonso a multi-year deal, however, the Spaniard wasn't pleased with the duration as he wants to be free to leave for Ferrari should a seat become available at the end of 2010.

BMW, though, were insistent on a long-term contract, resulting in Alonso turning Mario Theissen's outfit down.

As for Honda the Spaniard is concerned by the team's lack of progress this season, which has resulted in a mere 14 points in 14 races and little sign that things are set to improve.

The Spaniard has therefore made his decision and is set to stick with Renault for the 2009 Championship in the hope of heading to Ferrari as soon as a seat is available.

[EwanM]

Good. I'd be pretty pleased with that.

[bud]

Smart move

[Ferrarista]

Smart move

I agree with you.

In a way, every team is starting over in 2009 ...just because of the new regulations.
The team know's him and vice versa, so it could be a strong line -up for 2009!
He would win extra respect ... that's for sure.