The WINTER boredom thread

**Nova** · 18th December 2011, 13:37

Do they still make Lego Ferrari's?

**impactX** · 18th December 2011, 16:09

Fernando mentioned in that youtube video that he could have gone to Redbull in 2008... wow

**TheProdigalSon** · 18th December 2011, 17:57

Redbull aka Horner wanted a long term contract for Alonso with a view of building the team around him (ala Vettel), Alonso wanted a 2 year contract with a clause to leave in the first year if a seat became available at Ferrari and/or if the performance of the car wasn't good enough in the 2008 season to challenge for podiums. Renault was the only team that would give him what he wanted becuase they thought they could give him a winning car for the start of the 2009 season with the regulation changes which would keep him at the team longer. The rest is history..

**Suzie** · 18th December 2011, 18:18

Originally Posted by TheProdigalSon

Redbull aka Horner wanted a long term contract for Alonso with a view of building the team around him (ala Vettel), Alonso wanted a 2 year contract with a clause to leave in the first year if a seat became available at Ferrari and/or if the performance of the car wasn't good enough in the 2008 season to challenge for podiums. Renault was the only team that would give him what he wanted becuase they thought they could give him a winning car for the start of the 2009 season with the regulation changes which would keep him at the team longer. The rest is history..

Didn't know that, very interesting, thanks.
Didn't he have a chance to go to Honda (just before it became Brawn) also, or did I just make that up?

**TheProdigalSon** · 18th December 2011, 18:48

Originally Posted by Suzie

Didn't know that, very interesting, thanks.
Didn't he have a chance to go to Honda (just before it became Brawn) also, or did I just make that up?

Yeah and Brawn wanted the same thing Horner wanted, long term commitment, Brawn tried really hard releasing statements like Alonso is the best driver to build a team around to sway him but Alonso didn't want a deal more than 2 years (with clauses to get out the first year) and that's how teams and everyone knew he was eventually going to Ferrari, one of the worst kept secrets. And your welcome :xmassmile:

**Alessandra** · 19th December 2011, 10:18

Yes. And it rather puts to bed the notion put around by certain members of the British? media that Alonso had coooked his goose for good and all after the 2007 fracas at McLaren and no-one would want to employ him , he'd never win a race again, career over etc etc.:xmassmile:

**Raz** · 20th December 2011, 03:54

this ... i'm just speechless :xmaseek:

**Katu** · 20th December 2011, 04:46

reminds me this

**epiclyaddicted** · 20th December 2011, 10:33

Originally Posted by Raz

this ... i'm just speechless :xmaseek:

Oh God!!

**Hermann** · 20th December 2011, 10:36

**Kingdom Hearts** · 20th December 2011, 11:31

Originally Posted by Hermann

How cool is Ferrari?, the fact that they take the time and the money to pull this for the Ferrari employee kids every year is beyond amazing.

**Alessandra** · 20th December 2011, 12:26

And the kids look genuinely happy. Sweet:xmasbiggrin:

**M.K** · 20th December 2011, 13:52

Made me smile, thanks for sharing.

**Raz** · 20th December 2011, 15:31

Did Michael do anything like this back in the Ferrari Days?

**number 13** · 20th December 2011, 15:42

Saw this on twitter a while ago : http://translate.google.gr/translate...2F2553&act=url
Fernando Alonso will divorce with his wife Raquel del Rosario...Ohh god :xmasfrown: :xmasmad:

**Ste** · 20th December 2011, 17:07

Michael at the end of that video -

**Hermann** · 20th December 2011, 17:40

Originally Posted by number 13

Saw this on twitter a while ago : http://translate.google.gr/translate...2F2553&act=url
Fernando Alonso will divorce with his wife Raquel del Rosario...Ohh god :xmasfrown: :xmasmad:

I was actually waiting for that, there were some rumours going around already. Thats too bad. Assuming its true, of course.

edit: its all over twitter, including Adam Cooper. Guess we can see it as confirmed.

**Red_Diamond** · 20th December 2011, 18:08

Originally Posted by Raz

Did Michael do anything like this back in the Ferrari Days?

**lewtrino** · 20th December 2011, 18:08

Originally Posted by number 13

Saw this on twitter a while ago : http://translate.google.gr/translate...2F2553&act=url
Fernando Alonso will divorce with his wife Raquel del Rosario...Ohh god :xmasfrown: :xmasmad:

If this is true I suppose it shows the difference between Fernando and Hamilton's mental strength. Hamilton splits from Nicole and he turns F1 into some sort of destruction derby. Alonso goes through a turbulent spell in his relationship and if anything his driving becomes even better.

**SilverSpeed** · 20th December 2011, 18:26

Alonso is simply mature for his age, Hamilton not, Fact.

**Katu** · 20th December 2011, 18:33

oh does that sad news mean i have my chance now?:xmaswink:
just joking

**red5** · 20th December 2011, 19:13

Now it's official:
--------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.fernandoalonso.com/es/not...atrimonio/2553

[translated from google]

Fernando Alonso and Raquel del Rosario Díaz Macías

After five years of marriage, we decided to end our relationship as a couple.

Is a very thoughtful and taken by mutual agreement. We parted as marriage, but never as friends, as it is among us a very good relationship of affection and mutual admiration and always we will ensure the happiness of others.

With this statement, addressed to all people who follow our careers, we want to avoid any speculation about our decision. Through it, we turn to the media once again respect our personal lives, which, as you know, we have always desired to protect.

Love,

Raquel and Fernando

**Jose-Lorca Fan** · 20th December 2011, 19:21

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v...4wL4&vq=medium

Guys check this out! It's awesome! The Ferraris!

**justjesper** · 20th December 2011, 21:56

Originally Posted by Raz

Did Michael do anything like this back in the Ferrari Days?

Thanks for posting

**Nova** · 21st December 2011, 05:25

Originally Posted by Jose-Lorca Fan

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v...4wL4&vq=medium

Guys check this out! It's awesome! The Ferraris!

This was circulating awhile back..still killer though...thx.

**Rishu** · 21st December 2011, 10:16

The French Grand Prix is close to making a return to Formula One, according to the delegate in charge of bringing the race back.

Gilles Dufeigneux, who in June was appointed by French prime minister Francois Fillon to lead efforts to arrange the race's comeback, met with Bernie Ecclestone at the Belgian Grand Prix earlier this year and insists: "Things are moving in a very real way".

Nice-Matin is reporting that the event will be staged at Paul Ricard, with an annual race date alternating with Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps.

"All the indicators are green now, or soon will be," added Dufeigneux. "My current mood is summarised with three words: optimism, prudence, humility. We have entered the stage of completion and we can say that final decisions will be made very soon, in January or early February."

The last French Grand Prix took place at Magny-Cours in 2008.