Two-time champion Fernando Alonso is already dreaming of winning the Formula One world title with Ferrari. Alonso attended Ferrari’s traditional end-of-season demonstration event in Valencia with the permission of his current employers Renault, to whom he remains under contract until January 1.
Alonso, who will replace Kimi Raikkonen next year, was quoted by The Sun as saying: “It’s the first time I can be part of the Ferrari world from the inside and enjoy the atmosphere. I’m impressed and happy.”
The 28-year-old Spaniard — who finished a disappointing ninth in this year’s title chase — added he was “impatient to win the championship for Ferrari” with new teammate Felipe Massa. The Brazilian — who was badly injured at July’s Hungarian Grand Prix meeting — took the opportunity to jump back into the cockpit of this year’s Ferrari F60 racer.
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He completed several demonstration laps in front of the 17,000 fans who turned up for the event. Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo hailed Alonso and Massa as “the best driver combination in Formula One”. And he insisted he was not worried they are both Latinos, which could lead to fiery clashes.
He said: “I am convinced they will both be very motivated and will want to win. The 2010 season starts in March in Bahrain.