A part of the driver jigsaw for 2008 has fallen into place at last. This morning, it was announced that Fernando Alonso will be leaving McLaren; no news yet of where he will be going or who will replace him, however.
Fernando Alonso
The statements are pure corporate-speak, Alonso sounding as if butter wouldn't melt in his mouth and it is impossible to ignore the thought that this was part of the agreement - that he say something to offset his damaging accusations during the season. Ron Dennis was also gracious in his consideration of the Spaniard, professing to be unsure of what went wrong in the team's relationship with him.
One can sense the relief in all this, however. It was an unfortunate arrangement that should have worked but foundered quite early on, wrecked on the rocks of a team mate too quick for comfort and a press too eager for scandal. A parting of the ways is really the only sensible solution.
So, whither Alonso? At the moment, the most likely destination seems to be Red Bull, a late entrant to the field of speculative guesses. Theirs is the latest rumor, superbly timed just before the announcement of Alonso's departure and still fresh in our minds as a result. They have the money to pay off McLaren and a driver pairing that could do with a little spicing up - no offense to Coulthard and Webber but they do tend to have the same strengths and Red Bull need someone who can do the unexpected occasionally.
And, if it is to be Red Bull, which of their two drivers would have to go? I hate to say it but Coulthard is the obvious candidate, a full career behind him, an autobiography just published, and several years of suggestions of retirement already in the bag. Webber may be unexceptional in the race but he certainly knows how to qualify, at least.
The other strong candidate to take Alonso is Renault, of course. Flavio Briatore has been almost manic in his insistence that Fernando can return anytime and Kovalainen is held up as bait for McLaren, but I keep hearing the words of Renault chief, Carlos Ghosn, when he threw cold water on the idea of the company actually paying money for the services of a driver, no matter how big a name. Although I have felt all along that Renault and Alonso would be the best fit, it seems that financial considerations will rule that one out.
The same applies to the rather fanciful idea of Alonso going to Williams. That is fueled more by the romantic idea of Rosberg in a McLaren up against Hamilton than any realistic chance of Williams finding the money to employ Alonso, even if the team wanted him. I think Sir Frank and Patrick Head have enough sense to know that they already have a top class driver and therefore do not need the hassles that Alonso would bring them. And anyway, Nico's father, Keke, says no.
Toyota may have been a possibility at one stage but I doubt that Fernando would consider the idea seriously. Reports that the Japanese giant is working through contractual difficulties with Timo Glock would seem to indicate that Toyota have given up on the idea of Alonso too. And Ferrari are almost certainly out of the picture.
Which all points towards Red Bull. It would fit with the rumor that Ron Dennis has said Alonso cannot go to one of the manufacturer teams.
As for a driver to replace Alonso at McLaren, it has to be said that de la Rosa is in pole position for that one. His appointment would mollify McLaren's Spanish sponsors and would guarantee the team a breather from the problems inherent in a double number one policy - unless my commenter, Number 38, is right and Pedro turns out to be as fast as Hamilton!
Round about now is when I renew my calls for the consideration of Gary Paffett but I know I'm on a loser with that one; the poor guy never even gets a mention. And, if Ron thinks as highly of him as I do, that might actually count against him - I don't think the team can face another year of driver squabbles.
Of the remaining possibilities being mentioned, Jenson Button isn't going to happen because of the restriction of sponsorship to the UK, and the other suggestions are highly unlikely because they depend on driver swaps, which are as rare as hen's teeth in F1.
Next year will be Lewis Hamilton against the rest, presuming that the McLaren car is competitive. And he won't be easy to beat. As has been mentioned often, he can only get better and, like him or loathe him, he is phenomenally talented and quick.
Fernando Alonso
The statements are pure corporate-speak, Alonso sounding as if butter wouldn't melt in his mouth and it is impossible to ignore the thought that this was part of the agreement - that he say something to offset his damaging accusations during the season. Ron Dennis was also gracious in his consideration of the Spaniard, professing to be unsure of what went wrong in the team's relationship with him.
One can sense the relief in all this, however. It was an unfortunate arrangement that should have worked but foundered quite early on, wrecked on the rocks of a team mate too quick for comfort and a press too eager for scandal. A parting of the ways is really the only sensible solution.
So, whither Alonso? At the moment, the most likely destination seems to be Red Bull, a late entrant to the field of speculative guesses. Theirs is the latest rumor, superbly timed just before the announcement of Alonso's departure and still fresh in our minds as a result. They have the money to pay off McLaren and a driver pairing that could do with a little spicing up - no offense to Coulthard and Webber but they do tend to have the same strengths and Red Bull need someone who can do the unexpected occasionally.
And, if it is to be Red Bull, which of their two drivers would have to go? I hate to say it but Coulthard is the obvious candidate, a full career behind him, an autobiography just published, and several years of suggestions of retirement already in the bag. Webber may be unexceptional in the race but he certainly knows how to qualify, at least.
The other strong candidate to take Alonso is Renault, of course. Flavio Briatore has been almost manic in his insistence that Fernando can return anytime and Kovalainen is held up as bait for McLaren, but I keep hearing the words of Renault chief, Carlos Ghosn, when he threw cold water on the idea of the company actually paying money for the services of a driver, no matter how big a name. Although I have felt all along that Renault and Alonso would be the best fit, it seems that financial considerations will rule that one out.
The same applies to the rather fanciful idea of Alonso going to Williams. That is fueled more by the romantic idea of Rosberg in a McLaren up against Hamilton than any realistic chance of Williams finding the money to employ Alonso, even if the team wanted him. I think Sir Frank and Patrick Head have enough sense to know that they already have a top class driver and therefore do not need the hassles that Alonso would bring them. And anyway, Nico's father, Keke, says no.
Toyota may have been a possibility at one stage but I doubt that Fernando would consider the idea seriously. Reports that the Japanese giant is working through contractual difficulties with Timo Glock would seem to indicate that Toyota have given up on the idea of Alonso too. And Ferrari are almost certainly out of the picture.
Which all points towards Red Bull. It would fit with the rumor that Ron Dennis has said Alonso cannot go to one of the manufacturer teams.
As for a driver to replace Alonso at McLaren, it has to be said that de la Rosa is in pole position for that one. His appointment would mollify McLaren's Spanish sponsors and would guarantee the team a breather from the problems inherent in a double number one policy - unless my commenter, Number 38, is right and Pedro turns out to be as fast as Hamilton!
Round about now is when I renew my calls for the consideration of Gary Paffett but I know I'm on a loser with that one; the poor guy never even gets a mention. And, if Ron thinks as highly of him as I do, that might actually count against him - I don't think the team can face another year of driver squabbles.
Of the remaining possibilities being mentioned, Jenson Button isn't going to happen because of the restriction of sponsorship to the UK, and the other suggestions are highly unlikely because they depend on driver swaps, which are as rare as hen's teeth in F1.
Next year will be Lewis Hamilton against the rest, presuming that the McLaren car is competitive. And he won't be easy to beat. As has been mentioned often, he can only get better and, like him or loathe him, he is phenomenally talented and quick.