Fernando Alonso is undoubtedly one of the most talented F1 drivers of his generation, and yet is on the forefront of English Speaking media vilification. The blog, while may be biased towards his cause (I am a fan, afterall,) takes a look at his portrayal in the media. It may include some rantings on perceived unfairness regarding the portrayal, as well as a fan's viewpoint of how the situation could be handled.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Back at Renault...!
I am happy that he will be staying another year at least, and I hope that the second half of 2008 has signalled the Renault Renaissance and next year will be a jubilant one for the partnership. All I want is to see Fernando where he deserves - on the podium. Of course the best place should be at the top of the podium, but I would settle for a consistent podium finish all year in 2009.
My trip to Singapore this time is not just for work - I have been privileged to attend a wonderful session with Dr. Paul Stoltz, the person responsible for "Adversity Quotient" and it is all about harnessing adversity to our advantage. While it is apt for me to be attending this session given the current economic uncertainty, it did not escape me that Fernando has done just that with 2008. He has actually harnessed adversity and turned them to his favour. At the start of the season, he was almost the butt of joke for a gleeful media conspiracy, all targeted towards making him look immature, untalented, bitter person who could not cope with a "faster," rookie partner. The R-28 was a lame horse, poorly developed, it looked impossible to drive - after each race it was clear that it would be a feat to even obtain 1 point.
At this juncture, he could have proved his detractors right and say - "Oh well.. this season's over. My car is impossible. Let's just get on with the season as best as we can and try not to finish behind Force India." Instead, to lag behind was never an option. He mobilised the team to innovate and improve. He pushed the car to get the optimum drive possible, at times over driving the car and ended with DNF. I believe that he pushed himself to walk away from the past, to look forward, to hope and in the process found the drive and passion that he lost at McLaren. Instead of saying, "I can't see myself driving F1 for another 6 years," he began saying that he is in F1 for the long haul.
Wonderful!
I loved the way the season ended for Fernando. Up at the podium, comforting a visibly upset Massa. He gave up his youngest WDC record gracefully. 2007 was his year of adversity, and since then, he has more than grown in stature. He has gained respect for his talent, his leadership qualities, his sportsmanship. His credibility has never been higher.
Now as I look outside the hotel window to the beautiful view of the "Durian" shaped Esplanade, the Singapore River and the Merlion, I am glad that I heard the good news of him staying with Renault when I was in the city where he created history as the first ever night race winner.
Have a great winter break to all F1 fans - and most importantly, congratulations Fernando, for facing adversity square in the face and conquering your mountain. I am proud to be your fan! Keep on ascending!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
A few months on...
On the other hand, we have always known how talented and complete Fernando is on the grid. His win was a matter of when, not a matter of if! Great job Fernando. Your fans will hang around patiently, cheering you on as always!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Taking A Break...
Due to the fact that I am re-starting a new project, I will need to take a break from this blog for a few weeks at least. I am still following Fernando's progress, still yelling myself hoarse during F1 weekends, but for now, every minute of my waking hour is being spent thinking about work, and/or travelling.
Will post when I can, but am afraid, I won't be as regular until my new role has somewhat stabilised.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Balderdash... Yawn.. Yawn...
Am not even bothering to copy and paste the link to this article, but seriously - Mike Doodson, whoever you are, can you be MORE original?
The thing is, we are tired of old stories. Let me help you come up with some new storylines that could potentially be of interest to F1 readers.
- The future of Anthony Davidson and Takuma Sato (that has to be at LEAST a few pages worth of speculation that you could come up with.)
- How about surprising us with a re-cap of Barichello's career since he has HAD so many races under his belt?
- Oh, here's a nice thing to write about, since you are so into re-cap, let's look at the number of career wins that Lewis Hamilton has had, and include the mesmerising wins that he has had from the back of the grid? This from the wunderkind who *choked* and threw away his lead in the WDC standing. Seriously. You give the kid too much credit in terms of him affecting Fernando's performance last year.
- Oh I read something today, about Lewis Hamilton comparing himself to 90 year old Nelson Mandela... That HAS to be something to write about. Here's the suggested headline:
"Lewis Hamilton is the Next Nelson Mandela, because like Mandela, He TOO makes mistakes.."
If you want to put a spin to a story, at least do it with style - and use new materials please.
Rehashing the 2007 story is OLD. It's 2008. CATCH UP WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD!
Yawn ... Yawn... Yawn....
Monday, May 5, 2008
Strategising...
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Fernando Alonso Indifferent?
He said:
“At points in the past, when I said I was going to win, people said I was arrogant,” the 26-year-old reasoned, “and now it is said that I am indifferent if I am in the opposite position.
“If this is the case it is because I try to be as honest as possible with the public.”
Monday, April 28, 2008
Ross Brawn's Vote of Confidence...
"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."
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.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Brand "Fernando Alonso": Part 1
He has fans. A LOT of fans. Trust me, I have been hanging around A LOOOOT of forums to gauge sentiments and how they feel about him. A LOT of fans and not just those based in Spain. However, he also has a lot of people who has a lot of things to say against him, which is not so nice. OK that is normal for anyone, but Fernando has some quarters of the Anglo-speaking media who is not looking to show him in the best light, and those who are hell-bent on Alonso-bashing, they are only too happy to join the bandwagon.
Why should Fernando care? I agree. As an F1 driver, his job is to drive hard, drive well and score points for himself and the team. At this moment in time, he is with a team that he gets along well with, but they are just not delivering the car that he needs to excel. This is the crunch and I think we all know that he has the following options:
Example: Media Backlash 1
While Fernando has been really good about saying how he enjoys being with the team, the media has smelt blood when he kept talking about how bad the performance of R-28 is. That is ALL that is making the headlines - Alonso says that the Renault car is bad (with various interpretations and repetitions, all over.)
Example: Media Backlash 2
The coverage in the past few days has been stepped up a bit, "Alonso is threatening to walk out of Renault for another team, unless he gets a better car."
Example: Media Backlash 3
Then Luca di Montezemolo said Ferrari doesn't see Kimi/Alonso pairing as the option, not unless he wants to jeopardize the team. He said a LOT of other things, but this captured the headlines everywhere.
The Impact:
- The team will be under SIGNIFICANT pressure to perform and produce the best car that they can for Fernando, (which is good, pressure can be good.) However, what if the car continues to lag behind other mid-fielders? What then?
- My worry is that, by continuing to criticize the performance of the car, Fernando is also playing into the hands of the media, which could go a long way towards jeopardizing the good relationship that he has with Renault and the sponsors. No employer likes employees who continuously criticize their product, (and threatening to walk out.)
- With Luca saying what he said, the media will obviously be quoting only the part about Alonso/Kimi pairing will jeopardise the team. The whole article was written alluding to McLaren-Fernando debacle last year.
The potential fall out:
- Demotivation among Renault team members who work so hard, and yet not produce the kind of car that is competitive enough for Fernando to win and score points;
- Due to the bad publicity played out in the media - Fernando's image will be seen as a driver who complains a lot, and threatens to walk out when things don't suit him, altogether immature and disruptive to the team environment.
- This will place Fernando in a Catch-22 situation - Renault team demotivated and is deemed as not superior enough for a driver of his calibre; yet
- Other more competitive teams don't see him as a good team player to take him on.
- Fernando could be in a worse position compared to when he left McLaren last year.
As an avid fan, I am seriously concerned and feel that Fernando needs to really take a long hard look at how to handle the rather sensitive situation that he is in for now. I have a few thoughts, but need to go for a meeting soon. Will continue with part 2 soon.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Counting Down to Catalunya
I am counting down to the Spanish GP, which will be held this weekend in Catalunya Circuit.
Testing had gone well with Renault last week, and we all heard what Fernando and Pat Symonds had had to say about the upgrades. I hope the Spanish GP will go well for the team and that they will get more points for 2008.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
More Fernando Ferrari Rumour
http://www.f1way.com/news/2008/april/16/ferrari-renault-to-battle-for-alonso
The interesting statement was from Luca Colajanni, the excerpt is as follows:
Diario AS reports that Ferrari's high profile press officer Luca Colajanni met for a media lunch with Italian journalists this week.
Asked about Alonso's famous personality, he is quoted as saying: "Fernando is an intelligent and professional driver who always knows what he wants to say."
Ted Kravitz Apologises
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
119 Laps - Day 2 Testing in Barcelona!
Pity it's already past midnight here, and I need to get some shut-eye. Gym very early tomorrow then work all day... sighhh.. Tough life!
Really want to hear the comments after today's test session.
Can Alonso Rise Again (ITV Talkback)
Monday, April 14, 2008
Professional Fan for Alonso??
Anyway, yes... just before I left for holidays, I came across the advertisement by Aficionado regarding the search for Alonso's Professional Fan. Yes, I was excited. In fact, so excited that I actually wrote to the ING sponsorship department regarding the Spanish content of the advertisement, and why it appears that only Spanish people were allowed to apply. (Yes, they replied saying that their counterparts in London would let me know why, but I never heard from London...)
- It matters to me because I guess my self-esteem is not strong enough to withstand the potential ridicule by any Tom, Dick or Harry who has access to You Tube. (Oh, and videos posted on public domain has a tendency to come back and bite you in the butt in future...)
- Am confused as regards to the role. I thought the role of the fan is to bring the fans closer to Alonso and vice versa. How is doing public commentary on You Tube going to show the person's aptitude for the role? Surely the role of the Professional fan is supposed to be more strategic rather than public?
- The whole process sounds too much like a three-ring circus...
So, I will concentrate on my strengths and focus on what I am actually willing to do... I will continue working on this blog privately, doing the research that I need to do quietly, posting logical and objective comments on F1 forums in defence of one of the most talented and complete F1 drivers of this generation when needed. And to all the applicants, Good Luck! God Speed! May the best fan win!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Short Vacation
I feel that Fernando is consistently proving that he is a great driver each time he gets on track. The car is very slow coming out of corners, and the handling of the car seems to be rough, yet, the fans have seen some really exciting racing from Fernando (in the middle pack though it may be.) I actually agree with what was said by the ESPN Star commentators in the past few "live" coverage of F1 Race Day - at this point in time, it is definitely the case of the driver flattering the car.
Perhaps, it is a case of knowing that you can't win with the media. If they are keen to twist your words and portray you as a bad person, they will do so.
If that is the case - what would a person do? Well, in my opinion... nothing else for it - get in the car, race your heart out, have fun, get to the centre of your universe and re-discover what it was about racing that you love. After all, that is the one thing that the media cannot criticise - outright talent and skill - Fernando has both oozing out of his ears!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
I was gonna lay off.. but then...
Came back to this from the following link:
http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3265_3393813,00.html
Fernando Alonso, Renault, 10th
Renault are striving hard to show that Alonso did nothing wrong in Bahrain but there's something odd going on. If they were the innocent party why aren't they a bit more angry at Lewis Hamilton for modifying their car's rear wing with his front tyres?
Now, should Renault neglect to share the telemetry result, or go on an offensive against Hamilton, there will of course be yells from all corners saying that Alonso is a primadonna and why aren't they sharing the telemetry if they are so blameless, etc etc. Oh, oh.. don't forget the fact that Alonso has it "in" against Hamilton hence the cries for investigation, and if it had been Kubica, or Rosberg that had run against him, things would have been forgotten - (if you are not following my train of thoughts here - the word IF above shows that this paragraph is hypothetical.)
In this case, Hamilton has already said it was his fault (though he also claims that Alonso was at fault as the latter had moved to the right, when he himself showed movement to the right.. whatever - the child's trying to get someone to kiss his little boo-boo!) Renault has chosen to be the "bigger" guys and walk away - incidents happen, accidents happen, no harm no foul. But then again, it just shows the level of bias in comments against Alonso and his team.
Let's go on to the next item brought up in the same link:
In the race today he decided to indulge in some more by waving his gloves at Timo Glock for daring to drive his Toyota on the racing line.
Or maybe Pat Symmonds will explain that Fernando had an insect in his glove that he was trying to shake out.
urrr.. honestly? All I saw was a guy putting up his hands in his car seat, but it seems to be more out of frustration given the pace of his car. It is to be expected for a person as driven and passionate about performance - to be overtaken by a Toyota must be extremely frustrating. The writer must have done the same at some point in his/her life - putting his/her hands up in the face of insurmountable obstacles, it is a normal thing to do if you are human. In my case, I would probably have banged my head against the steering wheel... but then again, that's why I am not an F1 driver.
Alonso was waving a hand and I don't see it being directed to Timo Glock, NOT the way Hammy was obviously showing his finger at Fisi. Who is the brat here? Are we seeing the same coverage?? But then again, it must have been a REAL slow news day, for the writer to comment on hand-waving in the face of all the other REAL racing stuff.
And the ending of this "enlightened" paragraph was:
Alonso is the Naomi Campbell of F1, the man most in need of anger management therapy. Perhaps it's the lack of progress at Renault that's getting to him.
hmmm... so the guy's passionate. He has YET to throw a mobile phone at any unfair commentators or writers. If he finally does it.. I will applaud him all the way!
Apologise, I say.. APOLOGISE!!!
Fed-up and Disgusted!!
I was watching the coverage via the ESPN Starsport - I HAVE no choice being in Malaysia and the moment the incident happened with Lewis climbing up Alonso's back - there was all fury and statements being thrown up and about. I wish that I have short term memory loss, cause then I do NOT have to remember some of the remarks like the ones below:
"Ohhh that is a weird place for it to happen...",
"Alonso must have brake-tested him...",
"had that been Robert Kubica that Hamilton was fighting a place for, that would not have happened.."
"yeah, Kubica is a person who drives hard and fair - unlike certain other drivers that we shall not name..."
AAAAAAAAAAARGH!!! And this went on throughout the race and frankly - it kind of ruined the whole Live event for me. Each time there were comments such as - "ohhh, it was a really weird place for it to have happened, and it sure looks to me like Fernando "lifted" and got Hamilton."
Come on people!!! Get a grip! I know, I know as commentators, you guys are human too, and have your favourites - but the way you went on and on about how it was Alonso's fault before there was any proof, ugh.. I suggest you call up Hammy and arrange for a tryst immediately. I wish there are less unbiased commentators around - look.. You don't have to like the guy, but COME ON! You are supposed to be PROFESSIONALS!
I am disgusted! HONESTLY!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Bahrain - Doing Good So Far Fernando....
One of the stories highlighted in Planet F1 is how Fernando is denying the "Escape Clause" in his contract with Renault. He is direct though, regarding the flexibility of drivers' contracts with teams. That is a fact, and no one can refute it as we have seen many examples in the past.
What really got my attention were the following lines in the article:
"We are disappointed with our performances in the first two races but it is not time to give up now, it is time to keep working as hard as we can,"
"Then we will see at the middle of the season or the end of the season where we are.
"Next year there is a big change of rules it seems and that can change the picture again in F1.
"So, at the moment I am really convinced that we can do a good job - Renault and I together."
I believe that this has to be one of the better interviews for Fernando this year. He comes across as honest, credible and most importantly, hopeful in terms of what can be achieved with the team that he is with now. Loyalty from a driver to his team, for some reason, seems to be a very pertinent point in Fernando's storyline in the media.
I think the negative slant that comes out in the media, each time Fernando says anything about leaving Renault is due to the massive onslaught of the "Return of the Prodigal Son" angle upon his re-joining the team. I believe that this is a very important message and it has been implanted in the minds of most people, that in his hour of need, he returned home to the nest that nurtured his career. So whether he likes it or not, it is crucial that Fernando plays along these lines.
Given the fact that this interview has not been twisted (yet,) by the English speaking press - it definitely is a job well done for Fernando.
Keep it up :o) You know the whole world is watching.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Nelsinho Says...
Anyway, today, as I scan through the news items, I came across an article on Nelson Piquet Jr. Well, generally he says that life in F1 is much harder than he had originally thought it would be.
To read the whole story, you can click on the following link:
http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_3373294,00.html
what interested me was how the article ended. The short, almost forgotten paragraph stated:
Piquet Jr also paid tribute to his team-mate Fernando Alonso. "He's been very good with me. He's been a great team-mate," Piquet Jr said.
I am betting that:
a) this statement will not be picked up in the British press because it will put paid to their
b) if it gets picked up, the slant will be towards, - all lovey dovey in Renault-
land, but that is to be expected because Nelsinho is not seen as a threat
to Alonso's alpha-male status in Renault.
I guess at this point in time, you cannot really win if you are Alonso. Any nice statements about him, it gets written in as an afterthought. Any picture of him getting along with other drivers gets shoved down the dusty rows of the archives. The media needs an antagonist, and at this point, Alonso is the chosen one.
IMHO, there needs to be a quiet but visible "transformation" of sorts in terms of his profile - sort of Alonso Comes of Age slant for 2008. This will definitely help with his public image with the sponsors and potential teams in the near future. While 2007 season can never be erased, it can certainly be utilised in crafting an image of a more worldly, matured and centred Alonso today.
Oh well, enough time for conjecture... back to the real world, and my piling emails.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Disclaimer
I don't know Fernando Alonso. I have never met him - not in real life, nor in my dreams.
I am however, a fan of his - more for his fearlessness and intelligence on tracks, coupled with his ability to take calculated risks.
I do believe that he is one of the finest and most talented F1 drivers that has ever graced the tracks. He is also a talented magician. His card tricks are hilarious and there are times, when we can glimpse a most charming, boyish innocence, as well as a sense of very humane vulnerability.
I am not on a crusade or a mission. All statements and opinion on this blog is my personal take of events and situations - it is not representative of anyone else but myself.
I am in no way affiliated with any agency or person(s) in F1 - (though I wish I was!)
How it started...
My elder brother loved cars too. We did not have many toys, we were not rich... but we used to sit down for hours and draw F1 cars over and over on pieces of paper. My world grew wider when I learnt how to read and discovered the Encyclopedia Britannica. Whatever information I needed to know, there it was. So I read about the famous drivers of the past, the history of F1 - to a certain extent, the engine models etc. Not that I understood half of what I read. Just the thought of reading those words and looking at the diagrams or pictures, made me feel that much closer to the mystical realm of very fast cars, and the pinnacle of racing.
As a young girl, I developed a sad, but very real crush on Ayrton Senna. I never hero-worshipped anyone before. I didn't even know what I had was called a "crush" - but I spent whatever I had on magazines with pictures of Senna, reading hungrily of his latest news. As by then I was a school girl, we had very strict bedtime routine. However, my dad is a sports fanatic - all I needed to hear was the sound of an F1 race starting, and I would be out of bed, hidden on the top floor landing, peeking a very distorted view of the race on tv. However, the day Senna died, something inside me died too. I stopped watching F1 for a while. Concentrated on my own sports and school achievements, studied abroad, graduated and came home to a new life.
I decided to lay off F1 for a while. I was busy with work, trying to claw my way up the corporate ladder, until one day, I accidentally flipped channels around, and fell upon the start of an F1 race. The rest is, as you say it.. history. Once again, I have relinquished my sanity and decided to put F1 up there in one of my list of top priorities. This blog is more of a self-indulgent past-time, marrying my passion for the sport, with my passion of communication.