As of yesterday, according to Toro Rosso, and who are we to argue, there are 112 days to go before Melbourne.

Before we even begin to ponder whether that particular weekend will see another 1-2 for Mercedes, thereby killing off the season before it has barely begun, can we please put to bed all speculation concerning Fernando Alonso and the endless 'will he, won't he'.

Currently in terms of media coverage, and boredom thresholds reached, it runs a distant third to the Red Bull engine saga and Renault's buy-out of Renault, but given the fact that there are 84 days until testing gets underway in Barcelona it could soon catch up, especially if the other issues are resolved anytime soon.

Ever since the Spaniard walked back through the door of the MTC there has been speculation, the unexplained crash during pre-season testing and numerous 'explanations' merely setting the scene.

Yes, it has been a torrid season for Alonso, arguably one of the finest drivers to grace the sport and a talent worthy of more than just two titles, but for the most part, along with teammate Jenson Button he has kept smiling, insisting that things will get better.

A few times the mask has appeared to slip, the bitter frustration clearly visible... but put yourself in his place.

It was Ron Dennis who first raised the issue of a sabbatical, the Briton quickly insisting that Alonso and Button would drive next season. When he was asked if he was considering an F1 gap year, following Dennis' comments, the Spaniard smiled and dismissed the suggestion with a "no, not really".

In the midst of yet another dreadful race yesterday, Alonso once again aired his frustration, suggesting that unless there was a Safety Car he wanted to retire the car. Nonetheless he continued, finishing two laps down on the leaders along with the Manors.

Mark Webber, speaking ahead of yesterday's race, warned that Alonso is a "ticking time bomb".

"That's why we love him," the Australian told BBC Sport. "You never know what's coming round the corner."

Fact is, Alonso will now head off for a well-deserved winter break. He will keep in touch with the team and look forward to hearing that genuine, significant improvements are being made.

In February he will drive the car. Assuming it doesn't suffer the same fate witnessed this year, when the car completed just 6 laps, he will wait and see what happens over the next three days, sharing his thoughts with teammate Button.

Then and only then will the Spaniard decide if he has a car capable of getting him into the midfield in Melbourne or whether he faces the prospect of another season like this.

Rather than endless speculation over the next 84 days, perhaps it is best to wait and see.

LATEST NEWS

more news >

LATEST IMAGES

galleries >

Click to go to the main galleries section

READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Steve W, 02/12/2015 12:25

"I for one can't wait to see what Alonso's next interesting career move will be..."

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

2. Posted by Jonno, 01/12/2015 9:19

"I'm past caring what Fred does. I don't think I'm alone.
"

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

3. Posted by karel, 01/12/2015 6:26

"Alonso one of the best drivers, unfortunately Honda and Mclaren letting the drivers down, let's see next year but to pick-up the race speed, it's huge"

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

4. Posted by nonickname, 30/11/2015 20:52

"Much the same as the other 2"

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

5. Posted by Kkiirmki, 30/11/2015 20:31

"Not to be unexpected nonickname; With (very) low fuel and on fresh super softs.

Alonso say's he will be racing next year, he just doesn't say in what series. "

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

6. Posted by nonickname, 30/11/2015 16:32

"An interesting end to th season/ 3rd fastest lap by .2 of a second!"

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

Alonso: Let's wait and see

LATEST NEWS

RELATED ARTICLES

LATEST IMAGES

POST A COMMENT

Post your comment

READERS COMMENTS

Share this page