Formula 1: What a difference a day makes – Alonso wins in Spain!

Luca Di Montezemolo is not an ordinary man. He is the Chairman of Ferrari. He is the Chairman of a manufacturer that owes its genesis to the brainwaves of a remarkable man – Enzo Ferrari.

So, if you are a driver employed to Ferrari, you have a burden the size of a mammoth, riding on your shoulders, each time you place your fortunate derriere on the seat, in the restricted space, before the ridiculously expensive F1 steering wheel. Attached to that burden, is your responsibility to keep the Team and everyone at Ferrari happy, by winning races and securing championships.

It is therefore understandable that Chairman Luca, was visibly distraught, shaking his head like a reluctant child, when it became obvious that none of his two drivers made it to Q3. If a driver had a choice and could select the circuit at which he would perform at his best, I am willing to bet my declining inheritance, that he/she would select his home GP.

On Saturday, Alonso was at home, in Spain, but the script was simply not going according to plan. He would begin the GP, buried in the pack, at P11.

Vettel

Spurred on by his 33^rd pole, his 3^rd pole in a row in Valencia, Vettel began the race like paparazzi chasing Beyonce! At the end of lap 1 he led by 1.9 seconds and by lap 2, the gap to Hamilton was up to 4 seconds!

But, a lot can happen in a race and at Round 8 it was difficult to keep pace with everything that was in occurrence. Vettel had his way as he built a significant lead, but an accident on lap 27 saw the Safety Car intervening.

When the race resumed, Vettel sped away, but his car died a lap later! Alonso, who had quietly moved up from 11^th was comfortably placed in 3^rd when the Safety Car rolled out. When the race restarted, Alonso’s killer instincts took charge. He drop-kicked Grosjean, took 2^nd place and went Vettel-hunting. Vettel’s rare car trouble gave Alonso the lead on a wheel and the dominantly Spanish crowd screamed a raucous approval.

There was ceaseless drama behind Alonso, but after he inherited the lead, his grip was permanent. When the mechanical failure, collision and jostling ended, Raikkonen and Schumacher were able to claim 2^nd and 3^rd behind Alonso.

Alonso’s Post-race Interview

Alonso’s points haul has given him the lead in the championship race, ahead of Webber, Hamilton and Vettel. What a difference a day makes! Disappointment on Saturday, replaced by victory and champagne  on Sunday. I am certain the Chairman is still smiling!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer