The Spanish Armada, Imperial Madrid, Spain? Didn't that get lost & sink in choppy sea's before heading back to Spain in disgrace & in total failure? Lets hope that's Alonso's fate, it's all he deserves after his disgraceful behaviour this season.

Jimmy, Manchester, UK

Rather strange. The man who wanted the team to give him an advantage is now complaining that both drivers should be treated equally!

Ian, Son Parc, Menorca Spain

If Fernando Alonso wins this year, it will be the first time a driver wins against the will and the tricks of his own team.

The Spanish Armada, Imperial Madrid, Spain

What a surprise that the Spanish Motorsport Federation (RFEA) should be sticking its oar in. Just like back in August, after Hungary, when RFEA president Carlos Gracia (it's not Garcia, Ed) criticised the Stewards' decision to penalise Alonso, threatened to bring his "protest" before international bodies and promised that the RFEA would do "everything in its power" to clear up the "conflict". Oh yes: Gracia added that the RFEA entirely accepted Alonso's version of events, on the possibly somewhat subjective grounds that "he has demonstrated his professionalism and honesty throughout his brilliant sporting career". Ho hum.

Ugo, Sardinia, Italy

Alonso is a fantastic driver and unfortunately, Ron Dennis has decided to favor Lewis. I think it is a shame since Alonso is 2 time world champion and Dennis had obviously decided to favor Lewis. I hope Alonso comes out and kicks but in the last race and becomes 3X world champion!!!!!

Angela, manchester, nh

IWhat i would like to know is, if McLaren had allowed Alonso to be their number one driver, would the FIA still have sent a scrutineer in to make sure that was the case? I think not, it just shows how political it's all getting. The only problem is that Alonso has been given a big fright, he went to McLaren as double world champion, he did not expect the new kid to out perform him ! He has just proved what a disloyal person he really is. I only hope that he do'es leave this season and lets somebody more deserving gets a drive>

Johnny, Preston, England

Now this may just be me, but it seems that everytime England win something or someone English does something special, the rest of the world seem desperate to highlight some cheating, or refereeing mistake or unfair practice that has led to their victory (Such as Hamilton, the england rugby, cricket and football teams). Sorry get of your soap boxes and accept that this year Hamilton was the better driver. Not only that but you do realise your bleating only makes it that much more satisfying when we win! Go on Lewis!

Chris Ward, Coventry, UK

yeah of course, being two times world champion is not talented.
It is clear that Alonso is treated like a second one and he is not receiving the status he deserves.
Mclaren has to make a choice between Alonso and Hamilton. There cannot be two stars in the same team fighting each other.

alex, eastbourne,

It is a shame that Alonso has to resort such tactics to deflect from his poor performance and sportsmanship this season. Grow up.

Pity the FIA and the Spanish Motorsport Federation fell for the prima donna's rant.

Totku Mitsu, London, UK

Richard Adams....you got it in one. A worthy and unbiased insight, untainted by nationalistic drivel.
David Keattch...Hong Kong

david Keattch, hong kong,

I just hope that Lewis crashes again , but this time behind a safety car just to have more fun and ofcourse to avoid seeing the abyss between his front teeth in case he finishes before Fernando.He prved to be the biggest baby in the world of Formula 1.Why did he wait untill everybody had their say over the s.c. spy scandal and then he echoed "we are innocent"?!While Fernando acted like a real man - ignoring all the shits that the world press has spoken about him and kept on encouraging his fans that he is ok.And besides , he has beaten up "the biggest hero" for two years in a row - now is that a small and insgnificant achievement?!He should 've received what he wanted and that is and adequate treatment coresponding to his titles for they're not just to adorn his fireplace.Well he just refused admiting that he will play the second violin in this disharmonized concert called McLaren and he said it aloud.

Svetlomira, Burgas, Bulgaria

Just to be fair...
Remember that time when Hamilton was taken to boxes earlier than expected and he claimed he had fuel for two more laps? The FIA opened an investigation and McLaren said it was optimal strategy against a potential exit of a safety car. Fully comprehensible but still it was Hamilton's alarm. The pressure of Alonso's tyres were above normal during Q3 in China and qualification in Japan too (besides the strategy was in favor of Hamilton). That's a fact!
Furthermore, for those of you who follow F1 for the first time in your lives, note that 0.6secs per lap is a problem in the car...
I cannot say what will happen in Brazil. Hamilton is a good driver, one of the bests... but he doesn't deserve being World Champion, except for the fact that this year the championship was decided in the offices and not on the track!
Think about it!

Miki Lux, Luxembourg,

I think FIA are treating the Mclaren-Mercedes Benz team very well indeed yes and not banishing the team!
I do not think it really matters if FIA have found the team guilty of stealing and making use of the Ferrari spec. I am sure they didn't do it to gain any real advantage - they only did it for fun yes! Thankyou FIA !

Karl-Uwe Strunzen, Berlin, Germany

If you want to support fernando for the injustices of the FIA and Mclaren enters in www.petitiononline.com/fealonso/to contribute your company. Already it is mas of 109000 companies. PUXA ALONSO!!!!!

judith, Barcelona, España

I am reading Brithish and Soanish coments. Both are so blind just because of teh flag. I am French. I think when Britidh people say that Alonso cjeatd because he knew about Ferrari I rally think it so stupid to believe Hamilton didn't know anything. don't forget taht it wasn't Alonso who cheated but the Mc Laren team and of corse both drivers knew about it. Alonso is not as cinic as hamilton so he said teh thruth. i don't think Hamilton was thinking about the team by not saying it. i think he was thinking about himself, about not losing any point. Alonso risked his points. If Alonso thought about his tema he would have made him lost points in Hungary or say bad words to his own boss and not follow orders from his tema several times.

I really beive that Mac Laren team is helping Hamilton, as well as the FIA. I also think Alonso is not the nicest person in the world, but I prefer those who shows who they are from teh ones who hide themselves in a nice smile as Hamilton.

Claire, Paris,

From the moment I started watching Formula 1, some 30 years ago, I am a big fan of McLaren. I must admit that I was very happy when Fernando, as a good driver, came to "my" team. But from the very begining of this season he started to show his real face. Now I think that Fernando Alonso is a biggest disgrace in Formula 1 for his lies and cries. He constantly acts like a little child that is left without his favourite toy. He can't stand a fact that a rookie is bether than him. Because of that he works against his team. Unfortunately McLaren-Mercedes made a bad judgement about him. For me, his driving abilities are forgotten... I hope that Lewis will stand the pressure and finish this year as a youngest and first black World Champion!

Daniel Van Cyber, Belgrade, Serbia

Alonso is a joke. What made him think that Hamilton would roll over to have his belly tickled whilst he walks away with a 3rd title, the acclaim and riches?

He, Hamilton, has dreams and aspirations too and it's every man for themselves compadre!

I look forward to Alonso's excuses next year when he is driving for a different outfit.

Jero, London, England

What do we have to read: "Alonso was responsable (...) for the huge fine imposed on McLaren yet received a "get of of jail free" card from Uncle Max".

First of all, the main responsables were the man who sent his wife to a copistery with secret documents from Ferrari, and the whole team for being caught spying ib such a ridiculous way. I think that if the team, of some engeniers of the team, decide to spy another team it is their fault if they are caught. But is easy to elude responsabilities by blaming Alonso for all.

Second, the "get out of jail" card was also for Hamilton. What FIA debated was to expel both pilots, not only one of them.

And about the mails, Alonso gave them to the FIA, which the organism that rules this sport, and becouse they threatened him. I don´t think he should be a traitor becouse of that. About the "blackmailing" till the moment we only have one version, probably we will know more presicely what happended at the end of the season.

Domingo, Piedras Blancas, Spain

Mr. Gorman has forgotten what he told about Ron Dennis said in Shangai: THEY (MCLAREN) FIGHTED AGAINST ALONSO, NOT AGAINST KIMI.

Then, What do you wait about it??

Preassure tires of the Alonso's car was seven times highest... (1'5 v. 0'2...). So, not only it's impossible to win, but even he had an accident.

I ask for FIA, individually (by fax), that sent 2 or 4 stewards only for watching Alonso's car in Interlagos. FIA sent one only... And this one would tell anything which was stranger... To CHARLIE WITLING... The same person who decided not penalize to Hamilton in Fuji for the crash of Weber and Vettetl...

I ask for FIA that replaced Mr. Witling, or it isn't useful at all...

Julio, Jaén, Spain

Nothing to worry about guys (I mean the Spanish lot). Sure Hamilton (known in Spain as "Hamiltonto" - "silly Hamilton") will be a worthy champion either this year or in future; the guy has the talent and the so badly needed support from his team. But Alonso is simply the best, and only time will make it obvious. I'm just sitting here waiting for the time to come.

Although I love Britain, I'd never liked the McLaren Team. I don't know why. Let's see what a car they get next season. No doubt LH will blame the 2008 car for not winning enough races.

Agustín de Burgos López, Oropesa, Spain

TD
Talking about bad losers, what hamilton did in Monaco? crying because alonso didn't let him pass...why should he?

jordi, bournemouth,

I see more comments from english fans than usual, is it because Brazil is getting closer, is it because they feel so ofended that FIA dosen't trust a english team? is it fear?

jordi, bournemouth,

As expected, the Spanish support Alonso and the British support Hamilton.
The fact speak for themselves....
By his own admission, nowhere in Alonsos contract does is state that he will have priority.
Alonso was resposnsible (his e-mails and subsiquent blackmail attempt on Ron Dennis) for the huge fine impossed on Mclaren yet received a "get of of jail free" card from Uncle Max.
Alonso was over the moon when winning and a spoilt brat when loosing...check back on his career he has always been a bad looser.

RD, you will be well rid of him amd I do not think that Renault will welcome him with open arms. He will want top billing, best car, best mechanics or else he will throw his toys around the room.

TB, Bridlington, Yorkshire

So fed up of the Hamilton circus. British racing commentators go on, and on, and on, and on, and on........ it's just boring. What about all the other drivers? Don't they deserve coverage?

Whatever excitement I felt about Hamilton's progress and that he was British crashed to earth when I heard the way he bad-mouthed his team mate in such a contemptuous and disdainful way.

So I did actually say a prayer to St Jude, (I pray to him on the subject of rugby as well, and often on behalf of my Walesian good friend, who wants anyone to win as long as it's not England - I do wish she would get over it) anyway, just asked St J to bring Mr Hamilton down to earth, and teach him what lesser mortals know - DON'T COUNT YOUR CHICKS BEFORE THEY'VE HATCHED. And lo and behold he answered my prayers. Let's hope a little humility has been learned by Mr H, as my grandfather used to say, "The Yanks can always talk a good fight". All spin and no substance, is today's translation I think.....

Carol Chee-Lynch, London, UK

It's an insult to fans intelligence to suggest that Lewis Hamilton has been given unfair advantage. The kid has been wiping the floor with Alonso, who this season made me silly mistakes on and off the track. By the way, has anybody seen a champion with less class than this cry-baby?

Fred, London,

Anyone who has watched Alonso closely during his Renault days would already have noticed Alonso's frequent pleading for outside help to win: waving angrily from the cockpit as soon as the first backmarker appears on his radar, in order to provoke a radio call to cars about to be lapped to move the hell out of the way. Risk avoidance and riding the percentages was an Alonso hall mark too, to the extent that he would get in trouble in the second half of his championship by settling for too many second and third places early on. This year we his dislike of being on equal footing with a driver of Hamilton's talent has surfaced for all to see. In decades of watching F1 I have never seen such a sore loser and poor sportsman as Alonso. Constant moaning to the Spanish press, betraying his team by carrying over evidence in a spy case that he happily participated in, now his Spanish lobby has secured him a fair play tsar...shame on him and the Spanish motorsport associoation's rotten attitude.

Philip Hofman, Amsterdam, Netherlands

When the Spaniard won the F1 World Champion title I thought we have a worthy sportsman that we can all look up to; this episode marks a series of unsportsmanlike behaviour toward the racing team and fellow-driver. It is disgraceful, traitorous behaviour which other team bosses need to watch out should any of them decides to hire him. I believe he is resentful and envious of Hamilton. I am looking forward to see an smiling dour expression of the Spaniard in Rio. May he not complete the race. Kimi or Lewis are far more deserving World Champions.

SK Lin, HongKong,

well done britons! thank you all of you, especially Gordon, Mark, Paul Duncan and many others, this was exactly what was ( the spaniards) expected of you,very good! All is not yet lost, what a lot of sharp,bright,smart, objective posters, I learn a lot ( not as the ridiculous, nationalism spanish posters) Yes, indeed, common sense exist ( and lives in Britain). Thank you once again.

jose lago, oviedo, spain

If Alonso had been 12 points clear at the start of last weekend would Hamilton have been allowed to race him!! I think not!! He would have demanded that Hamilton provide some assistance/protection from Ferrari!

Garry, Sheffield, England

Fernando this season has shown consistant bad sportsmanship, towards Lewis hamilton and his own Team!.

Lester Forbes, Vancouver, Canada

Alonso seems to believe that he is at a disadvantage because he is in a British team. He seems to forget that most of the top teams are British or are based in Britain (under another flag) or are staffed by British (i.e. Ferarri). Even his beloved Renault is staffed by Brits.

All he is demonstrating here is a desire to win over being a sportsman.

Adrian, UK,

As if........!

James Ryan, Birmingham, UK

Brazil promises to be interesting, then. When FA lags behind LH again despite the "scrutineer", he will be out of excuses.

Mary, Florida, USA

Alonso was the champion last year, that is history. Each year all the drivers start with the same opportunity and have to prove they are the best. Alonso`s driving at times this year has been erratic and he has not shown the ability to cope with the substantail competition posed by Hamilton. Instead of raising his game, he has shown himself to be unable to reach a new level. Yesterday`s man ?

John Wiffen, Farnborough, UK

"We weren´t racing Kimi, we were basically racing Fernando". Have you already forgotten it? MacLaren is a really team, and they aren´t protecting Hamilton at all...oh, no, Hamilton has just arrived to team, hasn´t he?
It seems to me that you have also forgetten all Hamilton´s complaints to FIA and british press...
Amnesia among britons, next headline in the times! Give me a break!

Maria, Barcelona,

I am from Spain and I consider that Hamilton is a promising driver but it is hard to say that he is the best yet. Even if he wins we will have to see what will happen in the next seasons. As the help from FIA and its own team has been a corner stone this season. Thanks to Hungary and Japan Fiasco he is ahead of Alonso, other wise he will be 2 points behind at least. Anyway, I have to say that neither Alonso nor Hamilton should be racing by now due to the Spygate Fiasco. But good luck for both and Raikkonen.

SErgio ORtiz, London, UK

McLaren: "We operate a policy of complete equality between our drivers” does it mean that in Brazil they are going basically to race Hamilton?...

Maga, Madrid, Spain

McLaren: "We operate a policy of complete equality between our drivers”, does it mean that in Brazil they are basically to race Hamilton?

Maga, Madrid, Spain

Cripes, Spanish F1 fans are looking about as objective as Kiwi rugby fans! Grow up guys.

Gordon, London, uk

It's not difficult to imagine the sabotage claims and hysterics had what happened to Hamilton's tyre happened to Alonso last weekend.
Personally I hope the "minder" trips up the pit crew when they have to check the wheels have been properly tightened.
Something stinks in F1 at the moment and it's not Hamilton or McLaren.

Mark, Chshire, UK

I feel sorry for the toilet door, I mean what's the door done in all this, nothing...... Fair I do think ron dennis remark of racing alonso was unfair, but at the end of the day he is working for the team being paid by the team, He should show a little more respect than screaming blue murder to anyone who's got a pen or tape recorder. All he has achieved this season is slap all his mechanics in the face , mechanics who have worked hard to help him win. now it looks like there all deviouse cheats, which is unfair......

mike letts, liverpool, uk

Alonso needs to face up to the fact that he has not raised his game this season to compete with Hamilton. At the begining of the season did you hear him moaning ? No .. Beacause he had then and has now the same equipment, it's just that Hamilton is squeezing more from his package.
Alsonso's part in the Ferrari scandle was enough for me to of thrown him out of the team and his crying and whinging ever since show's he can't cope with the Pressure.... Time to Go !
The comment aboce states " just scored more Points"
That's how you win !!!

Andrew White, Okehampton, Devon

Alonso must be an only child... A spoilt little brat that has to resort to "Telling tales" to his sporting body back home.

If this is the way in which he thinks that he will win the championship..then think again..! People with talent and true heart reep the rewards.

With a bit of luck, the 2008 season will settle down and we'll see proper racing between the the teams and not constant bickering between the drivers.

Paul Duncan, Oswestry, UK

Shutting the gate after the horse has bolted.
And did you like the way RD, perched on his stool in front of the monitor, shakes LH hand after he parks neatly on the gravel and mouths, "Well done". Well done! Very paternal.

Simon, Andorra (Teruel), Spain

"We weren't racing Kimi, we were basically racing Fernando".

Javier, Cartagena, Spain

Dear Mr. Rosham,

I am afraid you are gonna have to cope with Alonso next year and also with all his supporters, including me. We will fight until the very last race. We will try to win until the last lap and if we loose we will recover from our ashes next year to fight again. If you wanna win, you better start getting used to the Spanish style. In Interlagos we will dine in hell!!

You might win 2007 battle, but the war won't be over. Go Alonso! We don't need Mercedes, we don't need Mr Dennis. We will make it happen even with a Renault next year!!

Espartano, Cadiz, Spain

What a load of utter nonsense. Alonso has simply turned into a poisionous little gnome whose frustrations at not being able to beat his number 2 driver have cost McClaren the constructors championship. Frankly its lucky he's driving at all. Personally I'd have him washing the cars for the rest of the season.

It is really frustrating when talent like Alonsos gets wasted like this....

Robert, Manama, Bahrain

If McLaren has nothing to hide why is there such a fuss about the presence of that controller? Fernando has every right to ask for it and to doubt of course. He is No 1! Twice a champion! Have you forgotten already?

Sania, Banjaluka, Bosnia and Herzegovinia

Fernando Alonso, I travel to Barcalona from South Africa every year to watch you race, you go get that title my man, coz you are the true champ, not Ron Dennis's little 'brown nosed' puppy. If I have ever seen favouritism, it is the Hamilton-Dennis relationship.
ALONSO for champion!!

Arthur Goosen, Durban, South Africa

A team is about loyalty... He shows none.

The answer is simple. Dont race him and put the testing driver in instead. Ron Dennis owns the team and not the Spanish FIA.. Just drop him now before the race.

Maybe that will bring back loyalty into F1

stephen cleland, adelaide, SA

About pilots'manners (about Keith's remark):

It's amazing what a well-mannered, modest and good boy Hamilton is...but I think it's much more "sincere" Alonso's reaction - "throws his teddy out of the pram and boots in the toilet door"- because of his annoyance
than Hamilton's gestures: he didn't take off his helmet we couldn't see his anger in China race [opposite Alonso's in Japan, we could see his disappointment] and later he run away with his daddy in the car ...Yes, there's a trend: we can only see Hamiltons when the talented boy wins...Modest, unassuming, etc...Yeah...Like father, like son...

sylvia, Barcelona, Spain

I have always been taught that a good sportsman is both a good winner and a good loser. It would appear that Alonso is a bad loser and that makes him a bad sportsman in my eyes.

Alan , Manchester , UK

the fact that Fernando Alonso has a few posibilities of winning his third World Championiship is an enormous miracle, since he has had (from the begining ) all the animosity from his own team and has been traited in an outrageous unfair way (both for his team and for the British media).
The FIA· Official comes too late as Hamilton has already a precious advantage. It had been neccesary the official presence since the begining of the season in order to prevent all the tricks that Ron Denis could have done.
I'm totally convinced that Alonso has to leave McLaren and then he is going to win clearly, while on the other hand we'll see McLaren turning into a mediocrity again.

Juancarlosaparicio, Burgos, España

Keith,

who's fault was to have badly worn tyres ?
who's fault was to get into the pits too fast?
Who's fault was to drive taking too many risks when he only need it to finish to win the WDC?
yes, you and the media can blame the team to take preasure off hamilton, but the true is that he has made a mistake, and unlike hamilton said, it is not the first one. He had to apologize at Hungary to the team (he is so loyal...not) and in Japan he had to apologize to all drivers. You are losing the sense of reality guys.

jordi, bournemouth, uk

McLaren and other teams have had equal drivers for years simply because they don't care who wins the drivers championship they want the consructors. To do that they need both cars finishing 1 and 2 as often as possible, which way round doesn't matter to them. The best way to motivate both drivers to compete as hard as they can is for them to race against each other, they are treated equal. Alonso signed the contract knowing there was no number one driver.

He thinks that he is something special because he is double world championand Ron Dennis should treat him differently, perhaps he should remember his BOSS has won the constructors championship 7 times and the drivers 9 times including 4 years when he won both. When it comes to who's got the biggest he is still a little boy.

Howard Smith, London,

Spot the difference. Alonso has bad day at the office and throws his teddy out of the pram and boots in the toilet door. Hamilton is denied securing the world championship because
of a team error but goes right to the garage and shakes hands with every member and says we will do it next race.
I see a trend here. Its time we began to see the difference here. Why would McClaren want to scupper their 2 time world champion who is being paid mega bucks? Why do they care if one or other of their drivers wins, they win, right
All you conspiracy theorists make me laugh looking for the deep meaning behind it all. Racing is an imprecise art despite the incredible technology, team errors are made and drivers have bad days. Thats the nature of the beast. Let us enjoy the finalle not knowing who will be champ till its over or nearly over at least

keith manton, houston, USA

If Raikkonen is looking strong for a win then Alonso will sacrifice his own championship race and take out Hamilton thus gifting Ferrari both a constructors and drivers title. Now this scenario would give the FIA something to think about.

Nik Bartlett, Chippenham, UK

I thought McLaren-Mercedes was a good team and Ron Dennis a Sir. It's was a error! Hamilton is a great pilot, but also a son of his "father Ron"... they aren't no equal both pilots and the last comentaries of Ron was not professional...
Perhps will win Hamilton, pampered child who does not deserve it. And please say to him that should be more modest.. Fernado Alonso for ever!!!!! Good luck !!!!!

Pablo, Torrelavega, Spain

DEAR JON L SHARP, BURY ST. EDMUNDS
Thanx for your insight. But for the record the one thing I do believe is that Lewis is a very talented race driver, he probably did not expect himself to do so well let alone his team and most definately Alonso.Lewis has made some mistakes but has always owned up to them(e.g ignoring team orders during qualifying not to let Alonso thru) Alonso came to Mclaren as their top driver which is reflected by the amount of money he is paid(2nd highest paid driver after Kimi), why on earth would they want to put him down. Alonso is just a whinger, whenever he does not win a race he has an excuse,he just did not expect Lewis to be such a tough competitor.

Allan, London, United Kingdom

If there had been a FIA official in the Mclaren garage in China he would have reported the team sabotaged Hamiltons race by keeping him out on rear wet tyres, clearly worn to the canvas, whilst others had changed to dry tyres some 7 laps earlier and been immediately six seconds a lap quicker.! !
A racing driver will never admit his team mate is faster. Blaming the tyres is one of the standard excuses in qualifying .

adam

adam forrester, London, England

This is for Allan: I also can remember when Alonso was fighting to run in F1. He was not rich, so he had to work very hard before he had a chance. He drove a Minardi's car since the begining. If he had had a MacLaren's car in his first season, maybe he had won before. And I think that Lewis is a very good pilot, but he has had Alonso to learn and Dennis to help him.
Everybody has seen Dennis' words after last race, so you can understand that Alonso wants to have the same conditions in his car, because it's the same team. He has not forgot this, it's Dennis who did it since long time ago. He is the really guilty here, not Lewis or Alonso. I agree that both guys should shut up, but when you are in a team that prefers your teammate only because he's a British pilot in a British team, then you see that is not important that you're the champion, because they are racing you!!!!
At least, we'll see next year, when Fernando will be in Renault again. Congratulations Lewis! You 've more points

paty, Valencia, Spain

alonso has been treated badly by mclaren/ferrari,they pander to lewis at all times because they prefer him as world champion,alonso has had little if any support from the team for most of the latter part of the season,also,can you believe ron dennis did not know about ferrarigate?the whole team is an affront to fair play and honesty,they really should not be racing this and next year.

m.english, peterborough,

I started this season neutral towards everyone.
But as it went on i found myself watching each race not to root for anyone but in the hope that someone would defeat alonso.
His bad behavior, temper tantrums and general spoiled boy whining have made me hate him.
I have found that my favourite races were those in which he crashed out.
It would be best if he left McLaren and the sport altogether.Michael Schumacher's antics were bad enough but he is even more crass with none of the class.

Roshan, Bangalore, India

Alonso has always complained about the driver who seemed good enough to beat him. He kept complaining about Schumacher, making comparison between Schumy and champions of the past, never losing a chance to say that the others were really champions, whereas Schumacher wasn't and so on, over and over, even when Schumy did not show any sign of offense or whatsover. That is to say that Schumy never replied in words, but only on the tracks, when he had the opportunity to do so. The only difference is that now the driver who can win the title his in the same Alonso's team and this makes it heavier to digest for Alonso, who, by the way, doesn't seem to be so fair, neither when he wins (I remember his behaviour with Massa, in Germany), nor when he loses. Schumy (so much criticised by Alonso) was really nasty on the tracks, but I always remember that he was ready to celebrate one of the Hakkinen's victories, going to his party: that's a champion (in fact, they are two big ones).

Cheers
Pasquale

Pasquale, Naples,

DEAR ALLAN, LONDON, UK:

I find it very difficult to pronounce myself in this post. There are, however, some points I would like to raise.

First of all, it is indeed very strange what is happening in F1 these days. I've never seen a case like this where a Team (McLaren in this case) is "rewarded" with the friendly presence of a "fat controller" in their own backyard. Of course, I cannot comment because I know nothing about the information/evidence that "others" may possess. I can only assume that the evidence presented to the FIA justifies the need to do so (but at the same time it could just be a political manoeuvre to prevent this whole issue from escalating any further). I simply don't know and for this reason I prefer to remain silent.

You're right: FIA may believe what Alonso says, and they may have (or not) reasons for it. But what is crystal clear is that YOU only believe what Ron Dennis and Lewis Hamilton say. And that, my dearest friend, discredits your comment.

John L Sharp, Bury St Edmunds,

in the 25 seasons of f1 that i have watched (ok i've probably missed 10 races so lets say 24) i can't recall such a poisonous atmosphere overshadowing the championship. The backstabbing, dummy spitting and aspersion casting that we have witnessed has been truly astonishing. Admittedly the "racing" has been as dull as ever (thanks Max) but with 1 race to go at one of the best circuits, the championship is wide open and had i known who could win the title in march 07 i would have been pleased to see any one of them win it. Kimi, never gives up and fully deserves to win a championship. Lewis, in his debut season has demonstrated what talent he is (and has led for half the season) fully deserves to win a championship. Fernando (my car should be better than his) Alonso, well, if he accrues more points then it's deserved but a nasty taste will be left i'm sure. Oh and CC from Manchester did you watch GP2 last season? I think not! Racing fans love talent not looks. Remember Mr Schumacher?

Ali Jackson, Darlington, UK

This is great publicity for F1 and all at the FIA, as much as it may turn away those viewers on conceave that everyone must race aroung the same track,starting from the same position with the same top speed,(in other words robots).It has brought more viewers to the sport and has finally produced a season that will be decided in the last race.I am no aproving the cheating,if any, but you have to admit, a hot headed spaniard and a cool headed brit in one garage with one team is gunna bring a finale of unmeasurable profits to tv stations and sponsors.

R Baker, Keele,

If hamilton is that good there should be no fear on a FIA appointed official i respect both drivers and admire them both but you have to ask if alonso is treated as an equal.

Christian Wright, Nassau, Bahamas

Thank you Mark. At least you are candid. Unfortunately most of your fellow brits will try to be right to.

Xao Vin, Madrid,

CC's comment is ludicrous. No-one is forced to watch anyone, like anyone, or even, as he so patently does, harbour bitter jealousy for those more successful than him. My sympathy goes to Lewis Hamilton, whose natural modesty and charm cannot protect him from such inane comments.

Andy, Southampton, UK

Mark of Harrogate - does the fact that we invented the sport mean we have to have an English champion, even unfairly? If that is the case I suggest we set up a championship that only has English (you did not say British) drivers. Perhaps it could be held on all-English circuits. I suggest Donnington, and why not in karts, it would be ecologically friendlier, too. And while we're about it, why not make Wimbledon only open to English players, and stop playing the Ashes in case those rotten ex-cons beat us again? And as for rugby and football, well wouldn't that be great, too? Perhaps you could strech yourself to let other Brits in and then we could have the football World Cup final held between England and Scotland every four years. That would show Johnny Foreigner who's who, wouldn't it? I thought we were supposed to have invented the concept of fair play - it doesn't look as though you subscribe to it. What a shame a Spaniard seems to, like him or not.

Chris Beach, Asturias, Spain

god only know what alonso (and his myopic fans) would have said if mcclaren had kept him out on degraded tyres for 3 extra laps whilst he lost around 20 seconds to his closest rivals and was then unable to control the car in the pit lane.

I doubt he would have shrugged and smiled, though.

jem, london, uk

What exactly happened to Alonso? I used to have the utmost respect for him now every week he sounds like a petulant child. He doesn't win a few races (and hopefully the drivers title) and his toys fly out the pram. Just because someone more talented comes along and beats him in his rookie season in the same car to prove he's better. It would do Alonso a world of good to look humility up in the dictionary then follow accordingly.

Neil, Portsmouth, Hampshire

As they say " A bad workman blames his tools".

Alonso - you should drive and shut up. Let your skill do the talking. (Or maybe you are not as good as you thought?)

After this I am going to sell my villa in Spain, cancel the Cava and toss out the tapas. What a load of whingers! They are giving the Aussie's and the Kiwi's a run for their money on this score.

So where is the "fair play Tsar" for Massa (Team orders etc etc)

Tropical Roger, Koh Samui, Thailand

Lewis will be the first F1 driver to break a monotonous mould that has been the tradition in F1 for many years. Once the season's over they generally swan off back to their palacial residences and thats it until the next season. Given space and the media to back off bit we may just find out what this guy is all about. I really want to know. I wanted to know about Schui! When did he do the public circuit? Bernie doesnt need me to tell him he's right about this man. He will do more for F1 than all the existing drivers put together. Playgrounds reverberate with engine noises and Martin Brundles "Hamilton ...Wins" phrase. This has never happened in my 40 years of following it. He's in a league of his own and thats rocked the boat.
Lewis built up his relationship with McClaren many years ago. He's effective at communicating with a team who knows what he means. Fernando's gamble was to go with the best car, fortunately for us Lewis can make it go quicker.
"HAMILTON and us......... WIN"

Eian, Bishops Stortford, England

FIA controlling McLaren? The inspector will be an other British... like the FIA comisar?
It isn't to late?
My proposal: Hamilton gets same tires pressures like FA in Japan, and Fernando gets Hmilton's tires pressures
It is really difficult to say which one is better, but is no that difficult to see Hamilton has been favored by McLaren and FIA

Tomas, Cordoba, Argentina

F1 has become even more farsical than ever this year. At the start of the season I thought I may get into watching a few races but the politics and sniping have put me off for life.

Neal Challinor, Shrewsbury,

Your all jealous. Even the worst of the F1 drivers is a far better man than us to drive and to comment.
Let Spaniards deride Hamilton and promote Alonso. be understanding - they haven't had many chances to cheer over the years, whereas we Brits have been spoilt for choice.
Let the circus continue - this has been the most interesting season since Schumacher took Hill out (and what did the FIA do then?).

ian dale, london, uk

Given Ron Dennis's comment that at the last race they were "not racing Kimi, we were racing Alonso" , I hardly think it's fair to call Alonso either a "cry-baby" or a "spoilt brat" , really. It certainly demonstrated that although the two drivers might have the famous "equal treatment" espoused by the team, the team, or at least Mr Dennis, certainly has a clear favourite. After Monaco, I think it was, Hamilton declared that because he had the number two on his car he was the number two driver and that explained why he hadn't won. Was that also being a cry-baby? I think Alonso has a certain right to feel aggrieved. I notice that the bias in comments posted here tend to depend on whether you're English or Spanish. I am English but live in Spain, and hope that I, at least, am being a little objective.

Chris Beach, Asturias, Spain

Hamilton is ahead in the title race so given that he has the best chance of winning the title, it would make sense to favour him in this, the final race. To fail to do so might allow Ferrari the opportunity of winning the driver's championship as well.

The accusations that McLaren might favour Hamilton have only arisen because Hamilton failed to finish last week following an uncharacteristic driver error. Without that unforced error, Hamilton would already be champion and none of this interminable whinging would have occurred.

Why is it that so many sportmen are no longer 'sporting losers' in this day and age?

Puzzled onlooker, London, UK

Let's face it. We will have FIA making sure McLaren does not benefit Hamilton, 'cos something doesn't seem to be right lately. Everyone knows that McLaren is trying to defeat Alonso, so let's say it openly!!. Ron did it and I am doing it now! Is there a problem if we do preffer an English driver? We invented this sport, we own it and we should have an English champion. Go bak to karting Alonso!

Mark, Harrogate, UK

Regardless of talent, sporting fairness or 'assistance' we will all have to learn (or be forced by repetitive marketing) to love the new David Beckham of F1, along with his little smirk, we have no other choice.

My sympathies go to all the other more talented and deserving drivers.

CC, Manchester,

Alonso is the best

joe, london, england

This is outrageous - I trust Ferrari will also be checked to make sure that they give Massa equality (even though he has no chance of winning the title). Once again the FIA are discrediting the sport.

Steve, Leeds,

Alonso has reaffirmed that he is such a bad loser but most of all NOT A SPORTSMAN! As for the FIA it is pathectic that they are sending an official to oversee what is going on at mclaren, this only shows that they believe what Alonso is saying and this only sets bad precidence. Ultimately alonso is trying so hard to make us believe that he is losing this championship only because Lewis was favoured but not because the boy has real talent!!! Its utter rubbish from alonso and his team/PR.
Remember this is a guy who when he was winning, never said a word............HE's just a spoilt brat!!

Allan, London, United Kingdom

Yeah, in the last race they will look for the fair play, and what has happened until now?, vey simple they gave Hamilton an advantage he doesn´t deserve. This year the champion will be the best british driver, not the best driver...the show must go on.

Marco, Gijon,

I hope that it rains and Hamilton becomes to leave and all we see as only to him they return it to the track. And I would like to see what Lewis without copying the improvements of the car of Alonso does next year, I hope that it does not finish like Fisichella. By the way 2 equipment is 3 years.

Su, Barcelona, España

Alonso always manages to blame everyone but himself, poor baby!! Last year his his team mate didnt support him, this year his team mate isnt letting him win. Perhaps he needs his mother to make a call to Ron.

James, London,

Alonso is just a spoilt brat who's throwing his toys out the pram because his team mate is better than him.
If he was an employee of mine I'd suspend him for not acting in the best interests of the company.

chris, st austell,

To say:
"alonso has only won titles because of superior cars and team no'1 prefference"
I thought you were talking about the legendary Schumacher!
It is absurd to suggest that a team featuring the reigning champ should not favor him. One of the two drivers will have the percieved better strategy/equipment every race, as no team can run the identical strategy/equipment on two cars at the same time. Equality is a myth!. Even if it is the claim of Ron Dennis, he knows that it is impossible.
I would wager that everyone who reads this would themselves expect to have "no'1 prefference" within their team, or company, if they were defending two time world champion in their profession.

Stu, Covington, Georgia U.S.A.

Why have an FIA official at McLaren?? This seems excessive. This is not a legal issue, so why should the FIA interfere? It's not as if the FIA monitored Ferrari when it blatantly promoted the interests of one driver over the other.

F1 Fan, wokingham, UK

The FIA are going to have an official who is going to watch very closely. "But who will watch the FIA official" ???
Who believes in FIA fair play??????

SueSumers, Paris, France

What an enthralling prospect we have for the F1 crown. Kimi Raikkonen's charisma and interesting post match analysis. Perhaps he missed his vocation as a great collector of bus tickets. Fernando Alonso's winning smile and waggish Graham Hill-esque charm and good humour to grace the sport. This is a man who could curdle milk from 20 paces, providing his tyre pressures weren't tampered with. Or a talented, good looking novice with a happy go lucky demeanour who actually enjoys his job. Hmmn, tough choice for the marketing department Max and Bernie.

Pablo Armada, Hong Kong,

Hamilton will be the season's champion. But it will be a manipulated victory from the start. It is like watching a development ruining a pristine area. You know it's unfair and ugly but it was always on the cards... the developers always win. Similarly with Hamilton

Marco Borg, London, United Kingdom

The whole "I'm a world champion so I should have preferential treatment" thing is just ridiculous; imagine the Olympic champion getting a head start in the 100m. What we have is a case of insecurity, invective, inuendo and ingratitude. More to the point we have a governing body in the FIA which is unfit for the task. Turn the equation around, let's have a special steward to make certain that Hamilton does not get the same treatment as Alonso - not just illogical, equally unfair as this undignified and childish imposition at the behest of the incompetent FIA politburo.

Richard Adams, Canberra, Australia

anyone fancy a pint ?

Jack , London , Innit

3 years 3 different teams. nothing to do with favouritism more to do with self. alonso thought mclaren had the better car so went with them, happily dumping the team who handed him a second world title. what he did not realise was that he would be up against a more than competant opponent in an equal car. even if he won the title again he is just laying the foundations to leave open the option of next years better car. in the past this was obvious by mid season but is not so clear cut now. so he is just hedging his bets. if anything this has shown alonso has only won titles because of superior cars and team no'1 prefference.

Harry, Liverpool,

Be second or why not be the first with all the team against you must be really a dificult job. Hamilton have all the cards in his hand I would like to see him ddirving in that tought conditions.

Xesc, Madrid, Spain

why was the Alonso tires pressures 1.5 lb/inch when the normal pressure is 0.2 lb/inch?

jmm, Liverpool, UK

I feel that the best possible outcome would be for kimi to win the championship, although it is unlikely this will happen. He's not had the best car, but was it not for the reliability problems with the ferrari's he would be maybe ahead of hamilton now or have alreday won the championship

ansaar, bradford, england

Any of the three title contenders would make a worthy champion this year.

Hamilton for driving so well and being quite consistent on the track. His off track lip service will pay off once he does the talk show circuit in the autumn-winter break.

Alonso for not cracking under pressure on the track and for everything he's had to bear from the media, and everything he's masterly dished out in the direction of Ron Dennis, off the track.

Raikkonen for taking the most victories thus far this season and for wrecking fewer cars than he usually does. And for hoarding the champagne bottles to himself on the podium (like Gollum--My Precious!!!).

Michel Angstadt, Serranillos del Valle, (Madrid) Spain

Interlagos....the final scene of a terrific year for Fernando.

I do not know what will happen, but in any case, our support to him.

We know for sure that Renault was not the same after his resigning and Mclaren took advantage from him to come back.

Bob Seeger and the Silver Bullet band played a fantastic song called "Against the Wind". That is you, dear Fernando. We will all feel be with you in the cokpit then.

Against the wind!

Fred, Bilbao, Spain

Not a worthy champion. just some one who scored more points, can you see the difference???

pablo, Barreda-Cantabria, Spain