Alonso threatens to quit in 2010
Eurosport - Wed, 03 Dec 12:05:00 2008
Double world champion Fernando Alonso would think about quitting Formula One if the sport adopted a standard engine from 2010
"If they approved that, it would be the last straw. It would be time to think about retirement," the Spaniard said.
Formula One's governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), said in October it intended to change the rules to force teams to use a standard engine from 2010 as part of a cost-cutting drive.
It has since launched a tender for bids to provide the engine, although it said this was only one of three options being considered.
Champions Ferrari, who could well figure in Alonso's future, and Toyota have already said they will consider pulling out if standard engines were imposed.
Alonso, champion with Renault in 2005 and 2006, said Formula One was going backwards technically with recent regulation changes.
"In 2005 we had a V10 engine with 1,000 horsepower," he said. "That was what was exciting for the driver, motor racing at the limit.
"We have gone from the futuristic to cars without grip or electronic aids which look like something from the past."
Alonso won two races for Renault this year with the French manufacturer recovering from early doldrums to end the year in fourth place overall.
In 2009, with the introduction of slick tyres and the new KERS device that recovers energy from the brakes to provide extra bursts of power, the Spaniard said he would be going for the title again.
"I cannot allow myself to start the championship without thinking I am going to win," he said. "My aim and that of the team is the title. It's a very clear objective, even if as the year progresses one may have to adapt to circumstances."
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Comment 55 - 74 of 74
all you f1 guys are the biggest whiners and crybabies I have ever seen. All you should get out there and race like nascar and quit the complaining.
The real racers in F1, who love the racing not just the money, would race whatever engine they had fitted to their car.
I think that all this talk about quitting is pure rubbish. First ferrari, now alonso. I'm sure that there are business
and professional interests involved which might be upset if the standard engine regime is adopted.
As if Ferrari will ever quit the sport, what will they become without F1?? Same with Alonso, what will he do with his life??
I'm sure he doesn't really mean it, he'll only be 28 in 2010, and a guy as ambitious as him (as we saw in 2007) is surely not going to be content with 'just' 2 world titles. This is all a whole load of political bulls*** if you ask me. Alonso is going to stay, standard engine or not, he wants to win more, he wants more titles.
I'm sure that the reason behind what he just said is that there must be something (probably Renault-related) which caused the team to not want the standard engine (like Ferrari). And so they told Alonso, being such an important driver in the sport, probably the best, they told Alonso to say this, so as to put pressure on the FIA not to adopt the standard engine.
If there's one thing I want to see, it's the adoption of the standard engine, and I'm sure that both Ferrari and Alonso will still be competing in 2010. Why of course!
double world champ ALONSO ~~ finest driver around today
just give him right car to win again
Slim Jim. It's McLaren, look it up
When the drivers speak, particularly those with Alonso's quality, the FIA have to listen. They are slowing strangling the sport and this could be the biggest mistake yet
well said
I hope alonso did not to f1 of horse racing
I am an old man of 54. I have been watching f1 since 1980. I think i agree with alonso.
Much as both series seemed to loathe it, the IRL and F1 seem intent on turning themselves into the old pre-split Champ Car. Wish we coulda just kept it.
lets hope a breakaway series happens.
Reasonable argument, at least in your lifetime. I'll quit watching F1 races too, not because of you, but because they are competing with the British House of Parliament in passing useless laws, at least once in every seating.
If Mr Alonso retires in 2010 then he will only be joining Mr Barrichello, Mr Fisichela, Mr Trulli, Mr Button and Mr Webber, who will all probably have left F1 race seats by then.
MARION, Deuchland uber alles mein freind.
I will say it again; 2009 will likely be my last year of following F1. My deepest congratulations go to Bernie and Max for making this possible.
Well done Fernando, stand your ground at there stupid rule changes that are just destroying F1!!!
Poison Dwarf you wouldn't be talking about Alonso? There should be a boycott of Abbey national, and stop all dwarf from spain taking over our banks. I hope Alonso do go and never come back I hate the racist dog.
Since Santander are apparently sponsoring Ferrari from 2010 one assumes that Alonso will be driving a red car after next year. If Hitler and the Poison Dwarf go too far the manufacturers will simply start their own version of F1 and the sooner the better I say.
Linda you are correct but until Bernie and Max go away there will continue to be childish and foolish shinnanigans throughout the FIA and F1 specifically. going to slicks is fine but the whole Kers thing and taking steps backwards in aerodynamic development is really pretty bad.
Alonso you are the best ...Its easy to win with a fast car but you manage to win in renault which wasnt very fast this year...So I wish you all the best in next season...ALONSO no.1
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