From tenth to third at Monza, in the fastest Formula 1 Grand Prix: Alonso and Ferrari also gave us this emotion. And now, they have more than good chances to bring the world title back to Maranello, five years after the last one (signed by Raikkonen), four after the last success in the Constructors' World Championship and eight after the conclusion of the unrepeatable triumph saga signed by Schumacher-Brawn- Todt. Let's see why.
With seven races to go (November 25, Brazil), Alonso is now 37 points clear in the championship. To follow, Hamilton (McLaren in great shape: 3 wins in the last 3 GPs), then Raikkonen with a surprising but never winning Lotus, then again Vettel, reigning double champion whose RedBull is in evident identity crisis . But (and this is the novelty) Ferrari does not seem to be afraid of anything or anyone. Wrong qualifying due to a failure that undermined this year's very strong technical consistency, Alonso gave an even blatant comeback in the race thanks to a Ferrari that was the fastest single-seater on the track for a long time. And this can be said to be the culmination of a process that has been underway for some time, as we have already underlined. Progress that started from the bottom of a season that began amidst a thousand difficulties, from a car that was evidently less performing and balanced than the competition.
At the wheel of all this: he, the never too incensed Alonso. Fast, always. Gritty, for several years. But now also capable of wearing the role of team and project leader, with a security and serenity that end up pouring over on the team as well. Mistakes, this year, never. Performance beyond the technical value and contingencies, very often. And the opponents notice it. They fear it, as well as undoubted respect. And the balance of power tilts the psychological advantage more and more in favor of the Prancing Horse and its driver.
Third chapter: Felipe Massa. Slow, fickle, almost stuttering most of the year. Not to mention since 2010, Fernando's first year in a Ferrari, which immediately handed him the scepter. But at Monza the Massa of the past was seen again, at least at times. Incisive at the start, regular afterwards, transparent in giving way to Alonso when he found him behind him. Thanks to a contract as a Ferrari driver in 2013, now in doubt, if he doesn't dust off the genes of the past at least in part. A situation that could give Fernando back a precious shoulder for the title.
Fourth ingredient: the division of results among the competitors. McLaren was very strong, Red Bull was further deflated at Monza, now very far from its recent glories. Two retirements in the race, double zero in the standings: the Austro-English team still leads among the constructors, but out of breath. We mentioned the Lotus and the Mercedes seems to be cornering downhill. Every now and then Force India and Sauber emerge from the center of the standings, the latter exalted on the Autodrome by a brilliant strategy perfectly interpreted by a fast, precise and aggressive Sergio Perez so as to earn the second place of honor of the season, this time behind Hamilton who, starting from pole position, always had the race in hand.
Now seven extra-European races: circuits of all types, climates from the heat to the possible monsoon storm that could occur in Asia, even more than once. Artificial conditions such as the night race, and on the city track, which awaits the Circus between two Sundays in Singapore. Situations almost like a circus, in fact. But today's Alonso, this year, is the tamer par excellence...
