Ross Brawn's Vote of Confidence...

I have always loved Ross Brawn and the day he left Ferrari was a sad day for me indeed.

Now I have another reason why I love the guy. In an article published in http://www.f1sa.com/, he stated that Montezemolo's comments earlier regarding Fernando and Kimi is in no way a signal saying that Ferrari would never hire Fernando. It just means that having 2 lead drivers is never a good way of running an F1 team (quoting Prost-Senna, as well as Fernando-Lewis as examples.)

He went on to say that when Honda produces a WCC car:

"We will have to have one of the best drivers."

"I am not saying we want Alonso, I am just saying that, currently, there are two or three drivers that are above the level of the rest, and Alonso is one of them."

The article can be read at the following link:

http://www.f1sa.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1522&Itemid=156

Again, I think the reporters wouldn't be doing their job if they do not ask Fernando what he thinks of Ross Brawn's statement. They would probably then ask, if Fernando sees himself at Honda in 2009. Or, is Honda one of his preferred teams after Renault? What are the chances that he will join Honda with Ross Brawn there?

I think this is a MINEFIELD! It's potentially dangerous to answer any of the questions above or add fire to the speculations.

Fernando did very well this past weekend. The headlines that say "Alonso Keeps His Own Counsel" and "Alonso Positive Despite Early Finish" are so much better than "Improve or I am Gone.." and "Fernando Alonso Frustrated by Lack of Options," for example.

Let's go with "Alonso Keeps His Own Counsel" for now. I would advise addressing those questions along the following lines:

- Thank Brawn for what he said and perhaps add that Ross Brawn is held in very high esteem and his kind words are appreciated.

- However, for now, it's time to continue to dive in and work with Renault to ensure that improvements to R-28 continue to happen. For this to happen, the drivers and the engineering team need to work closely together if we are to be in the position to challenge BMW or the leaders of the pack.

- To add to team morale, add "I am proud to be a part of the Renault team that has worked so hard to provide us with a competitive car and I am proud of what we have accomplished here for now."

I think this should be the line to be adopted in facing such questions from any press, English or Spanish. Do not open any room for "mis"interpretation. Fernando has done so well this past week, let's open more doors towards selling Brand "Fernando Alonso".