How Alonso scored one of his best F1 wins
Not even Fernando Alonso thought he could win in Valencia from 11th on the grid, but a combination of great driving, fine pitwork and a bit of luck helped the Ferrari ace to his 29th GP win, as Adam Cooper explains
It's no coincidence that Fernando Alonso now leads the world championship as the only man to have scored points in all eight races. Making the most of every opportunity and bringing the car safely home is what will win the 2012 title, and while he may have lost a few points in the closing laps in Montreal, Fernando has usually extracted the maximum from a given weekend.
In Valencia we saw the very best of Alonso, ably backed up by his team with good strategy and efficient pitstops on a day when it was very easy to get it wrong. This was a truly great performance from a man who has produced so many in the past - quick laps, decisive overtaking moves, no mistakes, and all the while protecting the tyres, not really knowing how long they would last and who might be in better shape behind him.
Vasseur: Verstappen mistakes will come if he’s put under pressure in F1
Vasseur: Verstappen mistakes will come if he’s put under pressure in F1 Vasseur: Verstappen mistakes will come if he’s put under pressure in F1
Ricciardo “reborn” and “re-energised” after F1 return
Ricciardo “reborn” and “re-energised” after F1 return Ricciardo “reborn” and “re-energised” after F1 return
Hulkenberg: Haas weakness disguised by F1 rivals’ early struggles
Hulkenberg: Haas weakness disguised by F1 rivals’ early struggles Hulkenberg: Haas weakness disguised by F1 rivals’ early struggles
Piastri: F1 2023 a bigger rollercoaster than expected
Piastri: F1 2023 a bigger rollercoaster than expected Piastri: F1 2023 a bigger rollercoaster than expected
The Olympian who saved Brazil's F1 race
The Olympian who saved Brazil's F1 race The Olympian who saved Brazil's F1 race
Naked Bottas calendar raises $150,000 for charity despite his mum’s concerns
Naked Bottas calendar raises $150,000 for charity despite his mum’s concerns Naked Bottas calendar raises $150,000 for charity despite his mum’s concerns
Gasly: Hamilton would have gone straight if he didn’t hit me in F1 Abu Dhabi GP
Gasly: Hamilton would have gone straight if he didn’t hit me in F1 Abu Dhabi GP Gasly: Hamilton would have gone straight if he didn’t hit me in F1 Abu Dhabi GP
Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise
Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise
Why a forgettable Ferrari was important in its F1 revamp
Why a forgettable Ferrari was important in its F1 revamp Why a forgettable Ferrari was important in its F1 revamp
Tsunoda pays tribute to “biggest supporter” Tost after AlphaTauri F1 exit
Tsunoda pays tribute to “biggest supporter” Tost after AlphaTauri F1 exit Tsunoda pays tribute to “biggest supporter” Tost after AlphaTauri F1 exit
Pourchaire, Barnicoat headline Super Formula rookie test entry list
Pourchaire, Barnicoat headline Super Formula rookie test entry list Pourchaire, Barnicoat headline Super Formula rookie test entry list
FIA will wait until 2026 to act on F1’s outwash 'loopholes'
FIA will wait until 2026 to act on F1’s outwash 'loopholes' FIA will wait until 2026 to act on F1’s outwash 'loopholes'
Why a forgettable Ferrari was important in its F1 revamp
Why a forgettable Ferrari was important in its F1 revamp Why a forgettable Ferrari was important in its F1 revamp
The forgotten aspect of improving F1 engine efficiency
The forgotten aspect of improving F1 engine efficiency The forgotten aspect of improving F1 engine efficiency
The crucial detail that could determine Andretti’s F1 bid success
The crucial detail that could determine Andretti’s F1 bid success The crucial detail that could determine Andretti’s F1 bid success
The rushed McLaren F1 car that elevated a reluctant Senna's legacy
The rushed McLaren F1 car that elevated a reluctant Senna's legacy The rushed McLaren F1 car that elevated a reluctant Senna's legacy
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.