Formula 1: Alonso reigns in Spain!

Far too much is happening and if I was never left behind before, somehow I feel as if I am playing ‘catch up’. Chances are I am, so let me host the program – The World in a Minute!.

The lead story must be Formula 1. The top rung of the motorsports ladder spent the weekend in the fabulous, historically relevant, Spain. Spain and the members of its populace are known and appreciated worldwide for a lot of things. Their exploits at the World Cup football level kicks to mind and Barca, Real Madrid and company, are names which ring like a bell, in Jamaican households were football is as important as bread and butter!

But, in F1, Spain has not made that indelible mark. The mark I am referring to, would deliver the profile assigned to a country like Italy. Based on what unfolded at the GP over the weekend things may be changing in a positive way though. Qualifying saw Mercedes stealing the spotlight with Rosberg on pole but, it was widely felt that they would have ‘issues’ during the race. Ferrari’s ‘hot shoe’ Alonso, who was on home turf, could only manage fifth on the grid, behind Hamilton, Vettel and Kimi. But he has produced dynamite starts before and nothing else was expected at his home GP.

The drop of the green gave him the go ahead to rip forward and he was third within seconds. The prancing horse, on Sunday in Spain, under the abuse of Alonso’s right foot was transformed into a speeding stallion! Alonso maintained a blistering pace and with a shrewd strategy employed by the Ferrari team, Red Bull, Mercedes, Lotus and company were left wondering -  What the hell! – they could not stay with the red blur.

It was Alonso’s day and before his home crowd he delivered a superb display of championship-worthy driving. Alonso, with a stellar performance was the undisputed King of Spain! Kimi remains Mr Consistent with P2 and Massa is still doing his best to remain relevant – he grabbed P3.

The championship, my colleagues would say, is now delicately poised – Vettel leads with 89 pts, Kimi sits 2nd with 85 pts and Alonso, with the massive haul on Sunday, slides into 3rd with 72pts. Gentlemen, we have a championship fight on our hands!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer.