Renault Chose Alonso Over Vettel Says Prost
Muhammad Rameez Published July 11, 2020 | 06:06 PM
Renault signed Fernando Alonso rather than Sebastian Vettel to succeed McLaren-bound Daniel Ricciardo next year because his level of motivation was more convincing, Alain Prost said Saturday
Spielberg, Austria, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Jul, 2020 ) :Renault signed Fernando Alonso rather than Sebastian Vettel to succeed McLaren-bound Daniel Ricciardo next year because his level of motivation was more convincing, Alain Prost said Saturday.
The four-time world champion, who is an advisor to the French team, said Renault also considered signing Valtteri Bottas, currently with Mercedes, but preferred Alonso, who will be 40 next year, for the same reasons.
"There were three great champions -- Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas," he explained.
"It was a little less obvious for Sebastian, in the sense that his motivation was not very clear. It was also difficult for Valtteri in that he has the best car.
"We wanted someone who is not a replacement option, but someone who is fully motivated for the project." Both Alonso, who is leaving Ferrari at the end of this year, and Bottas, who won last weekend's season-opening Austrian Grand Prix for Mercedes, are currently under contract with top Formula One teams while Alonso has no ties.
Prost said he had talked to Alonso regarding concerns about his age and his motivation, notably in relation to widespread reports of his negative attitude during his final period with McLaren before he left in 2018.
"Yes, that is a subject that I raised with him," Prost told RMC Sport.
"Frankly, this is the risky side, but he talks about it openly.
"He says that he has changed a lot and that his sabbatical years have matured him. In a way, he knows that he has no right to disappoint on this level." Prost also rejected suggestions that Renault had signed Alonso for marketing objectives, rather than his racing talent - which brought him two titles, in 2005 and 2006, when he was previously with the team.
Prost admitted money was a factor, but added: "Making a choice only for marketing would be a mistake, but all the manufacturers in F1 want to reduce costs.
"It is normal that there is a marketing aspect, but that is not the main reason."
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
More Stories From Sports
-
Victor Boniface: Leverkusen boss Alonso makes you 'up your game'
1 hour ago -
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable victory over UAE
5 hours ago -
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
11 hours ago -
National Hockey camp to be organized for Azlan Shah tournament
12 hours ago -
Islamabad Tennis Club demolished by CDA amid anti-encroachment action at public park: Tarar
14 hours ago -
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
15 hours ago
-
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
15 hours ago -
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy unveiled in Islamabad
14 hours ago -
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
14 hours ago -
Xavi and Barca remain tied in marriage of convenience
14 hours ago -
Pakistan Master Tenpin Bowling C'ship postponed
14 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results
14 hours ago