Toyota’s New F1 Crush: Making a Play for Alonso?

Written By: Seyth Miersma

Filed Under: All News, Hirings/Firings/Personnel Moves, Motorsports, Toyota August 31st, 2007 9:05 AM

Even casual followers of Formula 1 are able to realize fairly quickly that in addition to being the pinnacle of motorsports, it also reigns as the pinnacle of grown-up man drama.

It has been widely reported that two times World Champion Fernando Alonso is at odds with his McLaren bosses (not to mention sudden rival Lewis Hamilton) all season. Conveniently a free agent at the end of the 2007 schedule, Alonso’s dissatisfaction has set tongues to wagging across the grid.

With $40 million available to spend and no firm commitment to current pilot Ralph Schumacher, Toyota would seem to be an early leader in the race to win Alonso’s affections. Toyota team president, John Howett, admits that he has sketched Fernando’s name in his proverbial notebook a few times, saying the driver is at the top of his wish list.

“Of course,” maintains Howett, “and I would imagine the same is also true for half of everybody else.”

With half of the teams (at least) in F1 interested in courting Alonso for next season, it stands to reason that half the drivers in the league are raging at the prospect of being pushed aside. All this while the greatest championship race in a decade is moving into its final stages. We can’t wait for Monza.

+ DueMotori: Toyota admits interest in Fernando Alonso

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11 Comments

Iain August 31st, 2007 9:43 AM Link

I thought Alonso was under contract with McLaren until the end of the 2009 season - he signed a three year deal. oyota would therefore have to buy him out of his McLaren contract. There is some debate about this though since there is a clause in his contract (like most drivers) that if the team breaks the sporting regulations, he is free to leave. Technically, McLaren were in breach of the FIA’s sporting regulations over the whole sying ordeal, but this is under appeal. So is he free or is he not? I do not think anyone is sure but we do know that Ron Dennis will not go down without a fight.

Alonso’s problem is not the team. It is the fact he has been made to look a little ordinary but Lewis Hamilton who came of nowhere - FAST!

The Stig August 31st, 2007 9:48 AM Link

How is Alonso a free agent at the end of 07? He has a three year deal with McLaren Mercedes. Even though Ron Dennis has strongly hinted if he wants to go he can, that doesn’t AUTOMATICALLY mean he’s a free agent. And Toyota? Come on. Alonso is a putz and an idiot, but even he knows he has better options. Briatore at Renault has VERY openly said they would take him back in a heartbeat - you know, where Alonso already has successful history. BMW hasn’t confirmed either of their drivers past 08, and they would certainly be more in the running for him than Toyota. Alonso wouldn’t go to a team where he didn’t think he has a chance to win another championship. It’s not like Toyota is about to turn the corner either and become a player in the leagues of Ferrari, McLaren Mercedes, or even BMW. WR can write better articles than this.

Sammy B August 31st, 2007 10:10 AM Link

This could be good for Alonso. If Toyota starts throwing big $$ around to get him, he could easily use that as leverage for a better ride.

dante August 31st, 2007 1:26 PM Link

No matter what, Toyota should lose Ralph.

Robert T August 31st, 2007 1:58 PM Link

I hope he does leave. I’m getting tired of his whiny attitude and his juvenile pranks. Lewis is a class act and deserves a better co-driver.

Don August 31st, 2007 3:44 PM Link

I guess this happens when you’re immature and not the media’s darling any longer.

Pocky Is God August 31st, 2007 4:34 PM Link

BMW has already confirmed both quick Nick and Kubica. Toyota has more money than Renault, and money speaks a hell of a lot more than a friendly repetoire with Flabbio. Either way, Toyota needs to do something. Ralf is more useless than Speed was for Toro Rosso and Jarno can qualify great! But when it comes race time he just falls on his face. Pathetic.

Ducati Minor August 31st, 2007 7:30 PM Link

Not the best-looking racer…

smokyburnout August 31st, 2007 7:54 PM Link

Alonso goes to a perenially noncompetitive team… Toyota blows large sums of money… that’s what I call a “win-win situation.”

Steve September 4th, 2007 1:17 PM Link

I hope he leaves a team with a competitive car… The less I see him win, and the less I hear him whine, and the less we all have to put up with him pouting… The happier I’ll be!

Go Kimi! Go Felipe! Go Lewis! … Anybody but Alonso, GO!!!

E T September 8th, 2007 3:48 PM Link

It always seems that Toyota can never build and win a championship, in anything. But they sure can buy them. Sounds just like the political power they “own” around the world.

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