Alonso as loved as Villeneuve?

[scuderiafan]

I think it was after the italian gp, on bbc that one of Martin Brundles sources, an italian jounalist said that Alonso is as loved by the Tifosi as Gilles Vileneuve was.

I don't know, i always thought he was a great driver, but a bit of a dodgy character. i was confident though that he would mature , and no blackmailing when he joined Ferrari, as if he did, he would be told where he could go.

I have really warmed up to him now, especially after him and the team look to have struck up this bond, and he is now very mature, and imo a more complete driver.

Which brings me up to my question. Is Alonso actually loved as much as Villeneuve? personally, he could be in the future, but not roght now.

And who was your favourite Ferrari driver? For the Older members, was it Nuvolari or Ascari, or the likes of Villeneuve, Sheckter or Schumacher, Lauda, or Alonso?

I have to say i had a soft spot for Kimi, but from before, my favourite would be Villeneuve.

[Meiga]

I think it was after the italian gp, on bbc that one of Martin Brundles sources, an italian jounalist said that Alonso is as loved by the Tifosi as Gilles Vileneuve was.

I don't know, i always thought he was a great driver, but a bit of a dodgy character. i was confident though that he would mature , and no blackmailing when he joined Ferrari, as if he did, he would be told where he could go.

I have really warmed up to him now, especially after him and the team look to have struck up this bond, and he is now very mature, and imo a more complete driver.

Which brings me up to my question. Is Alonso actually loved as much as Villeneuve? personally, he could be in the future, but not roght now.

And who was your favourite Ferrari driver? For the Older members, was it Nuvolari or Ascari, or the likes of Villeneuve, Sheckter or Schumacher, Lauda, or Alonso?

I have to say i had a soft spot for Kimi, but from before, my favourite would be Villeneuve.
I cannot answer your question, although I doubt that any of the current drivers could ever appeal to the imagination of people like the old guys did (but then I am a bit of an oldie myself, so I am probably biased ;-) ).

But I have another question for you regarding Alonso: have you considered the possibility, after seeing how he bonded with Ferrari, that you were given a very one-sided vision of what happened at McLaren by certain press? Alonso is no saint, but one thing is to have a heated discussion with your boss just before a race where you say things that you then regret and apologise for (within half an hour through his manager and in person just after the race, according to Dennis), and a very different one to blackmail somebody.

[NJB13]

I think it was after the italian gp, on bbc that one of Martin Brundles sources, an italian jounalist said that Alonso is as loved by the Tifosi as Gilles Vileneuve was.

I don't know, i always thought he was a great driver, but a bit of a dodgy character. i was confident though that he would mature , and no blackmailing when he joined Ferrari, as if he did, he would be told where he could go.

I have really warmed up to him now, especially after him and the team look to have struck up this bond, and he is now very mature, and imo a more complete driver.

Which brings me up to my question. Is Alonso actually loved as much as Villeneuve? personally, he could be in the future, but not roght now.

And who was your favourite Ferrari driver? For the Older members, was it Nuvolari or Ascari, or the likes of Villeneuve, Sheckter or Schumacher, Lauda, or Alonso?

I have to say i had a soft spot for Kimi, but from before, my favourite would be Villeneuve.

He's definitely heading in the right direction, but, I think we need to wait a while before casting that judgment.
I doubt Lauda would be high on the favourites list.

[scuderiafan]

I cannot answer your question, although I doubt that any of the current drivers could ever appeal to the imagination of people like the old guys did (but then I am a bit of an oldie myself, so I am probably biased ;-) ).

But I have another question for you regarding Alonso: have you considered the possibility, after seeing how he bonded with Ferrari, that you were given a very one-sided vision of what happened at McLaren by certain press? Alonso is no saint, but one thing is to have a heated discussion with your boss just before a race where you say things that you then regret and apologise for (within half an hour through his manager and in person just after the race, according to Dennis), and a very different one to blackmail somebody.

Yeah i haven't thought about that. i live in the UK, so obviously where the golden boy can do no wrong, but yeah. the sun and other newspapers used the word 'blackmail' and Hamilton fanboys have used the same word ever since. funny thing is, before hamilton, there were never any stories about formula 1 in papers like the sun.

Anyways, thank god i came here before i lost my mind listening to all that rubbish.

[Rishu]

I think it is unfair & meaningless to compare drivers from different generations. One can not compare since they had different machines, different rivals, different point systems etc.

Although I do believe that Alonso is right up there with best of drivers to have driven for Scuderia, also he has the potential to repeat the era that we saw during Schumacher days

[Hermann]

Yeah i haven't thought about that. i live in the UK, so obviously where the golden boy can do no wrong, but yeah. the sun and other newspapers used the word 'blackmail' and Hamilton fanboys have used the same word ever since. funny thing is, before hamilton, there were never any stories about formula 1 in papers like the sun.

Anyways, thank god i came here before i lost my mind listening to all that rubbish.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKJ85cw-R6A&feature=related

Go to 3:00.

Question: Who is the person who has done more harm to you in F1?

Answer: I guess some british journalists who was saying barbarities last year.

2007 was nothing less than a media witch-hunt. I also don't think Fernando is a saint but i couldn't believe half of the things written at the time. I even was a half- fan of the silver arrows in the past, but after what happened there in 2007 with Fernando, i turned my back on them for good.

[Tifosi]

I don't think any driver will be able to repeat and be part of anything remotely similar to what the Schumacher era Ferrari achieved. Those days are gone.

As to who is "loved" the most, it doesn't really count for much what people say in such a generic way. Current drivers are always loved/loathed according to how they currently perform and historic drivers are usually lionised posthumously according to lore and legend.

One thing I notice is how quickly people "move on" from the achievements of our most successful driver ever, simple because he joined Mercedes after 3 years retirement.

Funny really.

[epiclyaddicted]

Yeah, in terms of success and achievements, I really doubt anyone will ever be able to match Schumacher's Ferrari days. As Stu said, those days are gone.

In terms of love and popularity among fans, that's hard to say, because it's so relative. Some see Alonso as the best thing ever since sliced bread, while others (many on this forum) think of him as the son of satan.

Personally though, given the way he seems to have bonded with the team, and some of the things he has been saying about what it's like driving for Ferrari, in time, I think he can go to the level of Gilles Villenueve. But that time is not here yet.

[scuderiafan]

To clarify, i didn't mean who was your favourite driver to have ever driven for Ferrari. Not the most successful. succes is a factor, but not to be judging. I just want to know who was your favourite driver to have ever driven for Ferrari. Mine was Kimi, or Villeneuve but it is fast becoming Alonso.

[DIEK]

http://tvmag.tvimg.partner-tvmag.net/ImCon/Arti/56078/diapo/3872/Fernando-Alonso-4p.JPG

[Hermann]

Well he is already getting kisses- so much for Fernando being 'cold', maybe he refused to kiss Heimi :lol

[xlinx]

^ He is so-very-much-loved on that photo :-D

[Alessandra]

I may be wrong but I believe Alonso still has some sort of gagging order hanging over him as a result of the severance arrangements from McLaren in 2007.
We can only look forward to his auto/biography after he retires to discover his side of that story in full.

Until then we have to trust what we see and hear with our own eyes and ears rather than the media's, to form our opinions.

But, I did once have a personal and private written response to my enquiry from someone who is a very respected writer on F1 and had access to Alonso himself and the McLaren garage. He said that after the famous holding up of Hamilton in the Hungarian quali in 2007 the team itself was most angry with Hamilton for disobeying the teams' 'fair play' arrangements, not Alonso. But it was the Hamilton camp who took Alonso to a stewards' enquiry, resulting in the penalty and ensuing eruption that destroyed his chances of a 3rd WC and the team's, come to that.

Whether he is more 'loved' than Villeneuve I wouldn't know, but I am pleased for him that he appears to be enjoying the support and respect of, in many ways, a new and developing Ferrari team.
Reading the various threads here we see established Ferrari fans expressing their growing respect and even affection for him. It can't be easy for those who've supported the team for at least ten years to turn around and learn to love the man who defeated their hero of old, M.S, or indeed replaced another hero, KR.

So, if Fernando really is becoming more popular with Ferrari fans I think it is a tribute to their ability to think for themselves as well as being what his ability deserves.
British Fernando supporters have had a really awful time over the past three years at the hands of the more bigoted British media :-s, so it's a relief and pleasure to pitch up here and feel able to support not only our man, but the team as a whole.:-D

[Kingdom Hearts]

How is the lady in the photo?.

About the topic, is simple, if he win the title this year he will be loved beyond and above any driver that worked for the scuderia because people in general have short memories, they go with the next best thing.

[wappad]

I don't think any driver will be able to repeat and be part of anything remotely similar to what the Schumacher era Ferrari achieved. Those days are gone.

As to who is "loved" the most, it doesn't really count for much what people say in such a generic way. Current drivers are always loved/loathed according to how they currently perform and historic drivers are usually lionised posthumously according to lore and legend.

One thing I notice is how quickly people "move on" from the achievements of our most successful driver ever, simple because he joined Mercedes after 3 years retirement.

Funny really.

That's so true. Villeneuve will always be my favourite driver (even without a WDC- title) and Alonso is on its way to come sooo close. However Schumi has already arrived there in my opinion..His tears after Monza 2000 and on the podium in Hungary 2001 showed me 'the man behind the racer'. Only respect for the man in 'grey' now and want to see him on the podium after every Grand Prix (behind the Ferrari's ofcourse..:-))

[RedRebel40]

lol after the win in Monza the tifosi weren't that happy compared to the Schumacher times.

[vcs316]

lol after the win in Monza the tifosi weren't that happy compared to the Schumacher times.

Oh give it a rest :-ZZ

[Tiz]

I really can't love particular Ferrari drivers, they come to a renowned and classic team, stay a while, gain kudos for having been a Ferrari driver and move on. Now, love for Ferrari well that's another story...!!

[Alonsomaniac]

Villeneuve is a legend.
Legends grow as they get older.
For a person alive it is impossible to compete with a legend so who is loved more? There really is no answer because Gilles will always be bigger although Fernando's results may be better.
There is nothing wrong with that. Let the legend be the legend and concentrate on what Fernando is doing in the red car now.
You simply cannot compare it.

[Alonsomaniac]

I really can't love particular Ferrari drivers, they come to a renowned and classic team, stay a while, gain kudos for having been a Ferrari driver and move on. Now, love for Ferrari well that's another story...!!

You can love drivers for really understanding what a Ferrari is (more than just another racingcar) and taking the car to the level where it belongs, so I do not agree 100% with you on this.

[xpman]

if he Keeps driving like he did at Singapore he Will as thats The point when you compare him to Villeneuve he drove every race like that some times he won sometimes he crashed but Always 100% on it untill the flag or a Tyre wall . That is how ALONSO must drive to be compared to Villeneuve Passion Fast and Hard .

[justjesper]

:lol

Too funny, Even I can see that Alonso is a good driver, but please. Last week he was the new Michael Schumacher, now he as loved as Villeneuve.
I think we all know there is only one Michael Schumacher and why would we want to compare ? does Alonso want to be called the new Schumacher, I think not.
Great win at Monza, his first at Ferrari and now he is the Almighty :lol

Sounds like he soon will be Ayrton Senna too

I think Martin Brundles source is Martin Brundles him self :lol

[Katu]

nice picture... i could only imagine how many girls would like to trade places with her.. ;-)
now getting serious i agree that you cannot compare legends with living people.

[Suzie]

My favourite Ferrari drivers will always be Michael, Eddie and Felipe. Unfortunately Alesi's time at Ferrari was before I got really obsessed with F1 but I've no doubt he would have been one of my favourites. I'd have loved to have seen Gilles race, but I was born in 1980 so sadly that was before my time :-??

[Rob]

its hard to do that, as i feel the same love for them all. But the ones that hold special place, Gilles, Nuvolari, Alesi, Mansell, Prost, Eddie, Kimi. Of cos now it Felipe and Fernando.

Think Alonso has got bad name in the British press due to 2007 mayhem. Have friend at work, massive mclaren fan, and hates Alonso. Just because of what happened there. He wanted #1 status, thought he was going to get that and didnt.

He has now found what he wanted, and everyone is going to see the results and what happens when Alonso feels happy and comfortable with team.

[Rob]

My favourite Ferrari drivers will always be Michael, Eddie and Felipe. Unfortunately Alesi's time at Ferrari was before I got really obsessed with F1 but I've no doubt he would have been one of my favourites. I'd have loved to have seen Gilles race, but I was born in 1980 so sadly that was before my time :-??

same here about Gilles

[MarlboroFA]

How is the lady in the photo?.

About the topic, is simple, if he win the title this year he will be loved beyond and above any driver that worked for the scuderia because people in general have short memories, they go with the next best thing.

I think that foto was made in La Fontana , the Bar/Restaurant where the guys from the factory hang out...She is the owner.

[racingbradley]

My favourite Ferrari drivers will always be Michael, Eddie and Felipe. Unfortunately Alesi's time at Ferrari was before I got really obsessed with F1 but I've no doubt he would have been one of my favourites. I'd have loved to have seen Gilles race, but I was born in 1980 so sadly that was before my time :-??

Felipe, Eddie & Michael are mine as well but I am old enough to have enjoyed Jean Alesi and Gilles. I also was a big fan of Alain Prost. They all have/had something which added that little bit of sparkle or as the french say "je ne sais quoi":-)
I am trying hard to add Nando to the list but so far it just isn't happening.;-)

[Suzie]

I am trying hard to add Nando to the list but so far it just isn't happening.;-)

Watch you don't get struck by a bolt of lightning for saying that dude ;-)

[Tifoso]

I like Alonso a lot.

I like WDC's better. And WCC's better than that.

DO IT Fernando

[racingbradley]

Watch you don't get struck by a bolt of lightning for saying that dude ;-)
:rotfl:rotfl:rotfl I am beginning to feel it in the air.

[coolrunnings_99]

No.

How did MBs source measure love and affection of tifosi in Monza, with a love scoop tantalizer?
And compared it, with their tifosi love data on files.
The ineviatble connclusion, springs up funnily as a question, the most easiest of media conundrums, for me at least.

No.

And Lauda is one of Ferrari greats and heavyweights.

But nothing comes close to Gilles, not even MS and his shiny castle full of victories, WCs, WCCs and toilets as well.

[Hornet]

:lol

Too funny, Even I can see that Alonso is a good driver, but please. Last week he was the new Michael Schumacher, now he as loved as Villeneuve.
I think we all know there is only one Michael Schumacher and why would we want to compare ? does Alonso want to be called the new Schumacher, I think not.
Great win at Monza, his first at Ferrari and now he is the Almighty :lol

Sounds like he soon will be Ayrton Senna too

I think Martin Brundles source is Martin Brundles him self :lol

I can see why people would compare Alonso to Schumi. Schumi came aboard and turn the team completely around, and left a huge legacy behind at Ferrari.
So far, the only driver who could measure up to that, or at least the closest one, is Alonso. Look at what he is doing now at Ferrari.

Honestly I never thought any of the current driver can ever come close to Schumi's legacy. There are many fast drivers, but none of them are special. But after watching the way Alonso handled the entire Singapore GP weekend, I have to reevaluate my view on him. I really believe now that Alonso will be capable of helping Ferrari turn things around, and get back to where we were when we last won the championship with Schumi :-)

[TIFOSI_FERRARI]

alonso is great driver but Villeneuve is the greater.

[DanielM]

I can see why people would compare Alonso to Schumi. Schumi came aboard and turn the team completely around, and left a huge legacy behind at Ferrari.
So far, the only driver who could measure up to that, or at least the closest one, is Alonso. Look at what he is doing now at Ferrari.

Honestly I never thought any of the current driver can ever come close to Schumi's legacy. There are many fast drivers, but none of them are special. But after watching the way Alonso handled the entire Singapore GP weekend, I have to reevaluate my view on him. I really believe now that Alonso will be capable of helping Ferrari turn things around, and get back to where we were when we last won the championship with Schumi :-)


Short memories. Did you already forget what Alonso did at Renault, leading a minnow that had not won a race for 6 years to beating the Ferrari/Schumacher juggernaut, and then Mclaren? That achievment imo was just as impressive as Schumachers legacy at Ferrari when you take into account the situations and opposition. No star designers or anything, does anyone even remember who designed the 05/06 Renaults?

[DonXabi]

Too early to compare the legend that is Gilles Villenuve and Fernando - also difficult to compare different eras for me.

In my mind Villeneuve would have been WC in '82 - the C2 was the class of the field that year as Pironi proved by finishing runner-up when he missed the last few races............Villeneuve is a hero at Ferrari for his never-say-die attitude and his relationship with Enzo.

In the modern era Schumacher is the nearest to Villenuve.......his run of championships helps too! And there is no doubt that his 'integration' into the Ferrari 'family' made him a hero in the eyes of us Tifosi.

But Alonso is on the right path for me.......says all the right things, drives with a Prancing Horse in his heart, speaks Italian.........too early to put him in the same class as Villenueve - only time will tell if he achieves that legendary status...........that is a very exclusive club.