The contrast between the headlines in last Monday’s papers and this week’s couldn’t be more stark. Fernando Alonso has gone from being all-but written off to virtually being declared champion by some papers.
Michael Schumacher won admirers among even his sternest critics for his measured response to a heartbreaking late retirement. But quite a few sources have attested to how many people in the media centre were cheering when his Ferrari began belching smoke.
Find out more about what the papers said in this week’s media review.
| Headline | Smoke signals pointing in Alonso’s direction Schumacher focuses energies on constructors’ title |
| They say | “Fernando Alonso has been through a lot in the past four months and he must have wondered whether the gods had it in for him.” |
| We say | Missing from several analyses of the race was how Alonso had suffered plenty of misfortune in past races this year. |
| Verdict |
| Headline | ‘Content’ Schumacher concedes title to Alonso after engine failure From hero to zero, Schumacher’s hopes are suddenly blown Brawn bemoans luck as inquest into Ferrari engine failure begins Interlagos scrapyard offers German a shred of chance |
| They say | “Interlagos is bumpy, ill-kempt and rather shabby… deep down Schumacher will know he still has an outside chance.” |
| We say | Quite a few writers picked up on the Brazilian circuit’s reputation for unreliability and used it to underline the fact that the championship isn’t over. |
| Verdict |
| Headline | Schumacher ready to concede title after Japan blow-up McLaren test Hamilton for Brazil GP |
| They say | “Alonso took a big risk overtaking Jarno Trulli’s Toyota at the first corner, and later the Renault driver outfoxed Trulli’s team mate Ralf Schumacher.” |
| We say | Not that viewers saw the latter move live because the TV director senselessly cut away. The Times had some words to say about the fact that ITV missed the Schumacher retirement too.” |
| Verdict |
| Headline | Honour in defeat for Schumacher Alonso soars to deserved break Brazil just the place for talea of the unexpected Fisichella mourns his closest friend |
| They say | “Michael Schumacher undid a thousand wrongs in Japan yesterday by accepting the cruellest of fates in a manner that would have done a Corinthian proud.” |
| We say | He was gracious – but has he really given up on the title? Don’t be so sure… |
| Verdict |
| Headline | It’s Al yours Waster Kimi rapped |
| They say | “Frank Williams… wants Raikkonen to learn lifestyle lessons from family man Michael Schumacher when he replaces the seven-time world champion next season and cut out the partying.” |
| We say | I see his point, but really, I don’t think Raikkonen needs to be any more boring… |
| Verdict |
| Headline | Alonso’s title as Schuey goes up in smoke Over to you, mate |
| They say | “Alonso turned up for the Japanese Grand Prix complaining the entire world – including his own team – were out to stop him.” |
| We say | I wasn’t convinced by those stories.. |
| Verdict |
| Headline | It’s over, says Schu |
| They say | “The serial winner, ultimate racer and pantomime villain simply said: ‘For me, the drivers’ championship is over.’ Simple arithmetic tells you that it is not.” |
| We say | Except that with a pantomime villain the crowd always shouts, “he’s behind you”… |
| Verdict |
| Headline | Schu is happy to admit defeat |
| They say | “Michael Schumacher finally achieved grace at the most painful point of his career.” |
| We say | More A1 Grand Prix coverage in the Express this week as well. |
| Verdict |
| Headline | All yours Fernando Renault taste Flavio of justice |
| They say | “Schumacher will almost certainly carry with him memories of the bitterest disappointment of 11 years at Maranello.” |
| We say | He’ll pull out all the stops to avoid that in Interlagos. |
| Verdict |
| Headline | My title bid is finished – Schuey Button: We’re a fourth to be reckoned with Alonso thanks his lucky stars Smoke signals end for Schumacher Ferrari to fight on |
| They say | “Schumacher can only steal the title if he takes the chequered flag at Suzuka and Alonso fails to score.” |
| We say | It would be the closest championship finish ever if he did. A similar situation occured in the Indy Racing League this year, so it’s not impossible. |
| Verdict |
Related links
- More ‘spin’ off the track for Alonso
- Japanese Grand Prix 2006 review
- Motor Racing Journal: Justice (external)
Tags: f1 / formula one / grand prix / motor sport
