Alonso Issues Quit threat

Fernando Alonso will consider quitting Formula One if the sport follows through with plans for a standard engine.


Born: 29/7/81
Nationality: Spanish
Team: Renault
First GP: Australia 2001
Wins: 21
Titles: 2
2007 position: 3rd
Previous teams: Minardi, Renault, McLaren

Formula One's governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), said in October that it intends to introduce a uniform engine for all teams from 2010 in an effort to cut costs. It has since launched a tender for bids to provide the engine, although this is only one of three options being considered.

"If they approved that, it would be the last straw," said Alonso. "It would be time to think about retirement." Ferrari, who could well figure in Alonso's future, and Toyota have already said they will consider pulling out if standard engines are imposed.

Alonso, champion with Renault in 2005 and 2006, said Formula One was going backwards technically with recent regulation changes. "In 2005 we had a V10 engine with 1,000 horsepower. That was what was exciting for the driver, motor racing at the limit. "We have gone from the futuristic to cars without grip or electronic aids which look like something from the past."

The Spaniard, however, believes he is well placed to regain the world title with Renault in 2009.
"I cannot allow myself to start the championship without thinking I am going to win," he added.
"My aim and that of the team is the title. It's a very clear objective, even if as the year progresses one may have to adapt to circumstances."

FERRARI MADE IT CLEAR: NOT GOING TO SWAP MASSA WITH HAMILTON

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has made it clear he would not swap Felipe Massa for Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton won the championship by a point at the end of a remarkable season, with the Brazilian agonisingly missing out in front of his home crowd in Sao Paulo. The final race led to some controversy also.

Speaking at Ferrari's Christmas party, Di Montezemolo said: "Let's make this clear: Lewis Hamilton is a great driver who was able to get within a whisker of the title in his first year in F1 before winning it in his second. However, with all due respect, I wouldn't change him with Felipe Massa. Felipe is extremely popular, for the man he is, for the great driver he's demonstrated to be, and for the beautiful way he lost the championship."

Historic Win for India !!!!!!!!!!!!

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India reocrded a Historic win today at Chennai. India won the First test match of the RBS cup series against Englad at Chennai following a big target of 387 runs. Sehwag started the proceedings with a blistering knock of 83 and then the Master Blaster took the control. A perfect end for a fantastic test match. The First test between India and Englad after the Mumbai terror attack ended on a perfect note. India won the match with the runs from the Little Master Blaster from Mumbai.

A fabulous 163-run partnership between Sachin Tendulkar (103 runs, 196 balls, 4x9) and Yuvraj Singh (85 runs, 131 balls, 4x8, 6x1) helps India register one of the most famoust Test victories ever. This became the fourth most successful run-chase in Test cricket history. This was 41ST Test century for Tendulkar and the best of him.

. Sehwag on Action

This was a perfect team win with contribution coming from all side of the team. Dravid may be the only man who missed. But this Indian team is on a rise. After winning the Series against Aussies 2-0 this win gives a good moral boost for the team. The confidence of the boys is fantastic and the winning mentality of the team is at its high.

The closing stages were dominated by scenes of the Chennai crowd cheering each and every dot-ball as Yuvraj defended and ensured Tendulkar had time to reach his 41st century. The match ended on a perfect note when Tendulkar swept Swan to fine leg to reach his 41st Century.

. Yuvraj & Sachin

But England played above expectation for much of the game after a poor ODI series. Till lunch of 4th day England was on top. But they gave Indian some chance by failing to score much runs in the second session of day 4. They scored just two boundaries in the 22 overs. Also Indian pace bowlers did good job with their reverse swing.

The turning point was the blistering knock of Sewag. He gave the perfect start for the team to chase such a huge total. He put England on defense soon and scored runs in a very quick manner and made things better for the middle order. Gambhir played the role of a perfect partner for Sewag. Dravid failed once again. Laxman also scored some runs. Then came the match deciding partnership of Yuvi and Sachin. They took India to the historic win with a solid 163 runs partnership.

. The Historic moment. Yuvraj and Sachin after winning the match


Team India is on a Rise- The real Challengers for the World No.1


Scores

Eng 1st Inngs 316 all out
2nd Inngs 311/9 decl

India 1st Inngs 241 all out
2nd Inngs 387/4