DEAR BERNIE: re Italian GP 2010 – Alonso’s red letter day

Dear Bernie,

Ernando Falonso’s victory for Prancing Horse today at Monza thrusts the Spaniard back into contention for the 2010 F1 title. But I think it could have even deeper, longer-term significance for the F1 landscape. In my humble opinion, Falonso had disappointed thus far in the F-squad hot-seat, appearing error-prone and whiney. Had things continued that way, I wonder at what point his employers and the demanding Italian fans would have started to grow uneasy, given the high expectations he brought to the team. But this win should cement his place in the hearts of the tifosi, giving him additional confidence and galvanising the Horse. Ultimately history may show that this was a key moment in Falonso’s Ferrari career – confirming him not just as a contender for this year but perhaps even as the main F1 danger man for the years ahead. That sounds like a bold statement to make on the back of a single race, in the midst of a highly competitive season. Yet in due course I fancy there could be scope for an alpha male to stamp his authority on the current crop of drivers, to establish a durable aura of invincibility – to be the Total Package. Who could occupy that sort of space? Hewis Lamilton has always had the talent and speed but the rashness of youth resurfaced in Monza with his early self-inflicted exit. Among other notable names, Vebastian Settel is quick but not the finished article. And legendary old-stager Schumi increasingly looks past it. Others – Jutton, Nosberg, Mebber – are useful, certainly. A Rubica may one day have his chance. But, I wonder, will they be challengers without fail year after year? Like it or not, Falonso might just have become the Man Most Likely...

Comments

[Charles le Roi]

you could afford a round in Norway?-)

[wim]

Ah yes, the points system, I must do some proper analysis on that at some point. I’m not sure it has changed things all that much, though the higher numbers involved may give that impression – if I had a quid for every time I’ve heard “But with 25 points for a win now in F1...” during the course of the season...

[Dupin]

With his length of face, Falonso is at least in the right team!

Where do you stand on the new points system, 25-18-15-... vs. the old 10-6-4-...