adminDUBAI. — Fernando Alonso has congratulated Sebastian Vettel on a fourth straight Formula One world title and then started to look ahead at the following year yet again. “Well done to him (Vettel) and the (Red Bull) team. Hopefully next year we can make things a little more difficult than this year,” Alonso said.
The Spaniard fell short of a first title at Ferrari again but 2014 offers a new opportunity as there will be major rule changes including a new V6 engine which could allow others to catch up with Red Bull’s superior package again.
But it won’t be just the hope for a better 2014 campaign that will occupy Alonso’s mind over the next weeks, he and Ferrari want to at least salvage second place in the drivers’ and constructors’ standings in the remaining three races of the season — with the next one on Sunday in Abu Dhabi. Vettel and Red Bull wrapped up a quadruple title double with Vettel’s win at Sunday’s Indian Grand Prix where the last title rival Alonso did not even finish in the points in 11th place.
Alonso is second on 207 points behind Vettel (322), but under pressure from Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen, who has 183. Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes has 169, with Red Bull’s Mark Webber (148) and Lotus’ Romain Grosjean (144) also in with a chance to make the final podium.
The three races in Abu Dhabi, Texas and Brazil will also determine the final constructors’ outcome behind Red Bull (470).
Mercedes moved into second place with 313 points, Ferrari have 309 and Lotus 285. — DPA.
Online Reporter