Alonso: 'Hamilton still my strongest opponent'
By Hall_Green_Wolf
February 3 2013
Fernando Alonso still believes Lewis Hamilton remains his strongest opponent in 2013, despite Sebastian Vettel having secured a third consecutive title.
The Spaniard, Hamiltons team mate at McLaren in 2007 where the pair scored the same amount of points, is adamant that the 2008 champion is the one to watch despite his move to Mercedes.
"I do not know who will be my main opponent for this season, he who has the best team, with the best year in terms of preparation, luck, testing, all of these factors," Alonso said during a media conference at Wrooom on Thursday.
"But as for my strongest opponent, who is [the] strongest driver? My answer is Hamilton. It was true last year, it was true this year.
"The strongest driver? It is a personal opinion, not political, not to make people think something. Who is the strongest opponent, the strongest driver on grid? Who is the one you have to keep an eye on? It is Hamilton - and it will still be Hamilton next year."
Alonso thinks it unlikely that Hamilton won't win races with Mercedes this season.
"I am sure he will be able to win. He is a super good driver because he won every year with any car: he won in 2007 and 2008.
"In 2009 they started around two seconds off the pace with the McLaren, and Hamilton was able to win races – and it was the same in 2010.
"Last year also Nico we saw winning in China with Mercedes. So with Hamilton he will be able to win more than one race."
Asked why he didn't think Vettel was the strongest, he replied: "I am not saying he is not the strongest driver.
"In 2011, there was a fantastic performance from him. It is true the car was much in front of everybody, they [Red Bull] were first and second consistently, and when the car is good you tend to relax in some races.
"But I remember difficult races in 2011 with wet/dry conditions, and he did not do a single mistake. So for sure in these three years there were moments when he was better than anybody else and he deserved these three championships."
In other news Nico Rosberg will get behind the wheel of the new Mercedes F1W04 chassis before Lewis Hamilton at Jerez next week, with the German set to drive on 5 and 7 February.
Hamilton will complete his first ever laps in a modern Silver Arrows Formula 1 car on 6 February, before bringing the F1W04's maiden test to an end.
Mercedes announced a launch date of February 4 earlier in the month, with the Brackley-based team set to unveil its latest design in the pit lane at Jerez.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:03:06:08:18:15 by Timba7.
Alonso just praises lewis and vica versa because they both fear each other the most over any driver of the grid. They know that they are the two best drivers currently out there but Alonso must have laughed his ass of when lewis signed for merc: now he only has to take vettel into account, if he beats him: the wdc is his.
"Leave it to Lewis Hamilton to ruin Red Bull's day" - Martin Brundle
In memoriam: Sessions
Very true, beat vettel you win the lot.
Mercedes must make serious advancements to put themselves in a competitive position for 2013. But if they manage some of these feats Alonso along with other F1 drivers and fans know having a guy like Lewis driving would be one of the best choices. As of now I'm going to stay as positive as possible. If the car falls short of the mark all anyone can do is hope it's a short learning curve for our technical team to suss out our shortcomings.
sessions
We have made a lot improvement. Lotus was fast. RB was strugling, now they are in better form for season start. Macca is fast. Sauber brought radical design. FI said to be in better shape than start of 2012. Ferrari in my view did the max... they have evolution of last years car. So i think Hammi can fight with Alonso of podiums and possible wins.
The team that masters Pirelli combound changes during the season is the strongest. I still believe Ferrari does closer co work with Pirelli. But can they build car good enough around the tires is another guestion.
Maybe another "DD" for some team that gets the edge enough for surprice.
So true.
...anyways donīt you guys think Alonso and Hammis friendship is a bit odd?
I mean about history of the Macca situation.
Alonso uses media alot. Sometimes it seems a bit artificial?
Well let them be friends. But to be fair i rather see Hammi crushing Alonso on track. I dont mean accident but winning fair and square.
Quote:Hall_Green_Wolf
Perhaps alonso has finally woke up to the fact he looked a complete bell end in the way he acted towards a rookie kid that was as fast as him.
Yes he certainly did. Good driver, however as a person, I think he's got issues.
Freddie
*the wo4 has the pace of the wo3 at the start of the season or even better
*merc can keep up their development pace
*merc doesn't do a 2012 mcl: pitstops & strategy
"Leave it to Lewis Hamilton to ruin Red Bull's day" - Martin Brundle
In memoriam: Sessions
Quote:Ozzy Osbone
I think Lewis is in with a shot at the title in 2013. Mark my words.
Not wanting to over-conclude thing's Ozzy, but I agree Lewis has a pretty strong shot at success this season. I surely can't see the season being as dismal as last year. Merc has put out some serious dosh on the W04 considering it will be "binned" at the end of this season. I have to say, if anyone can push a car to it's limit's, Hamilton's more than capable.
Freddie
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2013:02:21:15:51:08 by Freddie86.
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Well done Lewis. New driver, new era.
