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[nikon133]

From f1-live.com

Kubica would welcome Alonso as BMW teammate

And plays down 'team leader' angle
09/06/08 17:46

Photo F1-Live.com
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Kubica appreciates Alonso
New Grand Prix winner and championship leader Robert Kubica said he would enjoy having double World Champion Fernando Alonso as his BMW Sauber teammate.

The 23-year-old Pole is close friends with Spaniard Alonso, and the pair often spend the evenings during race weekends out to dinner or playing cards.

Kubica is likely to remain at the Hinwil-based team with a higher retainer next year, but his current teammate Nick Heidfeld - albeit with a valid 2009 contract - has struggled notably this season.

Asked by the Spanish newspaper El Pais if he would welcome Alonso to BMW, Kubica replied: "I would have no problem with that. I get along with him very well."

"I do not know what the future holds, but if we do both drive for BMW, we would have a lot of fun," he said.

"We appreciate each other as drivers but also as people. You know with him that when he says something, it is what he really thinks," Kubica added.
"He is not someone who thinks too much about his image, or says something for marketing or just to look good."

Kubica said after winning on Sunday that he hoped the BMW team will now throw its weight behind him to retain the lead in the drivers' championship.

But to El Pais, he played down the notion that he is now the de facto "team leader."

"I don't think that is what I need to be," Kubica said. "All that matters is that I do my job well and try to improve every day."

"In the end, that's what counts: staying focused on your job of winning races."

So I guess there is a reason why is Alonso downplaying - or even avoiding - his early commitment to Ferrari; after bad year in McLaren and unlikely winning form with Renault, I'm very sure Alonso's first priority will be winning team - not money (not that BMW can not pay big bucks, mind you).

But I'm also finding interesting to see some good people actually thinking good of Alonso. I, for one, still like the guy - after all.

What do you ladies and gents think - who is real Alonso? One that Kubica knows and likes or one that Lewis (Ron?) know and dislike? Or can he be both?

Dr. Fernando & Mr. Alonso?

[austin62]

thank you so much i was thinking abut that few day ago before Canada race

[bud]

If i was Fernando i wouldnt be moving anywhere, with the regs drastically changing next year it could throw Renault right back to the top.

[al4x]

If i was Fernando i wouldnt be moving anywhere, with the regs drastically changing next year it could throw Renault right back to the top.

thats what im desperately hoping desperate is too weaker adjective,
renault could really fly this winter testing

[darwin dali]

If i was Fernando i wouldnt be moving anywhere, with the regs drastically changing next year it could throw Renault right back to the top.

thats what im desperately hoping desperate is too weaker adjective,
renault could really fly this winter testing

A deer in denial

[przemo]

If i was Fernando i wouldnt be moving anywhere, with the regs drastically changing next year it could throw Renault right back to the top.

Yep, he should stay. Next year could be a big reset. Besides, I don't believe that before the end of 2009 either BMW or Ferrari will have an empty spot for him. And he even said he wants Renault to focus on the next year's car already, so maybe he's already committed.

[Rivelution]

I hope Nick wins this year. That will shut everyone up

[nikon133]

I hope Nick wins this year. That will shut everyone up

Realistically, you are not realistic at all

[KyrosV]

- Alonso to decide future in july as his contract allows him to decide upon performances of the team up to july 2008..

- NH contract runs out this year and hes not having a good season..

- Kubica "would have fun" racing with Alonso next year

- BMW want to challenge next year, and what better to have a dream team pairing!

All will become clear in July!!

[McLaren Fan]

Here's an article on the above from F1 Live:

Fernando Alonso's second tenure at Renault is likely to end at the close of the current season, according to the latest reports from Spain.

The former world champion signed a one year contract for 2008, with an option to automatically include 2009 should the French team reach certain performance targets by the British Grand Prix in July.

But with Alonso unlikely to be compelled to stay next year, the newspaper Diario Sport claims that he will shortly inform Renault bosses of his intention to move on - probably to BMW Sauber.


The newspaper said Alonso must contractually either commit to Renault, or inform the team of his intention to leave, no later than July 31.

[Fastman000]

would love to see him at either ferrari or bmw...which is more likely to take him? ferrari if kimi retires or bmw if they drop heidfeld?

[darwin dali]

would love to see him at either ferrari or bmw...which is more likely to take him? ferrari if kimi retires or bmw if they drop heidfeld?

KR won't retire until the end of his contract (end of 2009) if he does. And NH is under considerable pressure and probably on his way out. DC is a goner as well, so Red Bull could be a secondary option if BMW Sauber won't pan out for FA.

[Kiwi_Chris]

After his antics last year i wonder how much his reputation has suffered in the paddock

[rhyscoles]

Depands on hiefiels proformance for the rest of the season

[Fact Man]

After his antics last year i wonder how much his reputation has suffered in the paddock

It seems like Kubica thinks well of Alonso