The young pacer, who was hit by Rinku for five sixes in one over last year, held his nerve to defend 17 runs in the final over against Chennai on Sunday
cricket3 hours ago
The 28-year-old Spaniard, who left Renault for Ferrari this season, has revelled in his new surroundings with the scarlet scuderia and said that he is convinced he can challenge for his
third title.
And, be believes, he can launch that championship bid on home soil when he leads Ferrari into the first European event of the year, the Spanish Grand Prix, at Barcelona.
He said: “I think that with all the potential that we have, with the super team that I have, this is just the beginning — and I have a real chance to fight for the world championship.
“That is something I couldn’t even think about last year, after four races, but this time it is so different for me. I am enjoying it all again.” I have felt that special bug from winning a race, or winning a title, and that for me is the most positive thing about the start
this year.”
Alonso won the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on his Ferrari debut and has been competitive, if less impressive, in the three following races in Australia, Malaysia and China. But, he said, he has enjoyed every moment in his new surroundings after two difficult seasons with Renault.
He said: “It is obvious that the championship always starts with the first race, but it is also true that the opening Grand Prix is just a contest that confirms the good sensations, or otherwise, that you have experienced during the pre-season testing.
“When that part of the season is over and we start the European season, it is the real time to show who can fight for the title — and who can’t. The opening races are really atypical. There is changing weather, different conditions and not much stability.
“So, now, back in Europe, back in Spain, we arrive at the moment of truth — now is the time to show who is ready for the title battle and which teams can develop their cars and performances faster than their rivals. It is the start of a nice fight, for sure!”
As if to symbolise his readiness for the fray and his confidence in emerging triumphant, Alonso has insured his thumbs — thanks to a special 10 million Euros deal with his personal sponsor Spanish banking giant Santander.
The Spanish bank said in a statement: “Alonso’s thumbs are a big symbol as, apart from being essential when driving a Formula One car, they represent a sign of victory — and that everything is under control and well protected.”
Alonso is delighted not only with the deal, but the confident and positive signal that it has sent to his and Ferrari’s fans. And he has eased worries about the team’s engines after suffering early-season problems in China.
He said: “The car is fine. For one reason or another we haven’t managed to score as many points as we wanted, but I think we are going to have a good car again in Barcelona. I’m not worried.
“As for the engines, we have found the problems that we had. I know there have been things written, about the valves and the air-consumption system of the engine, but as usual they were not accurate, or true.
“We have been quiet about it, because we have found the problems and we’ll try to do the rest of the season with an engine that’s 100 per cent reliable. Then we will see if we can win the races and the championship, too.”
The young pacer, who was hit by Rinku for five sixes in one over last year, held his nerve to defend 17 runs in the final over against Chennai on Sunday
cricket3 hours ago
Zelensky calls on Western allies to supply Kyiv with additional air defence systems to protect Kharkiv and other cities
europe3 hours ago
The hospital's specialist medical team has performed five delicate surgeries during the past two days
world3 hours ago
A helicopter carrying Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister crashed on Sunday as it was crossing mountain terrain in heavy fog
mena3 hours ago
The accident shut down the port, though temporary channels have allowed some traffic in and out of Baltimore
americas4 hours ago
Nasser hospital in Khan Younis was attacked by Israeli army for over a week in February, saying Hamas was holding hostages there
mena4 hours ago
The President was speaking at a graduation ceremony at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia
americas4 hours ago
Martin Griffiths says battles near the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings in Gaza's south meant the vital routes are effectively blocked
mena4 hours ago