Imola throws up another classic....but with roles reversed: Alonso-Schumi - Part II

It was like watching a great film and being greeted to an equally engrossing sequel. We, the fans, saw a great race last year where two great drivers gave it all they could to win and while one tried his best to get past the other, the other showed one of the best defensive drives of all time. The drama unfolded in Imola, San Marino on Sunday. The stage was the same, the lead actors were the same, only the roles were reversed. Last year it was Michael Schumacher who was glued to Fernando Alonso's rear for the last 12 laps of the race, in a faster car desperately trying to find a way past. One year later on Sunday it was exactly the reverse. Michael ahead and in a slower car, the new champion Alonso on his rear view mirrors hunting him down and trying desperately to pass him on a circuit which showed us that overtaking is impossible. Alonso tried every trick in the book just like Michael did last year but Michael remained unruffled. All that experience was put into use and with thousands of 'tifosi' fans cheering there was simply no way that Michael would be forced into a mistake. While Alonso had to hold of Schumacher for 12 laps last year after the final round of stops, Schumacher had to do so for 20 (and also for around 10 laps before the 2nd stop). Someone had to make a mistake that would seal the race once and for all. Michael did not but Alonso did with three laps remaining. He was pushing hard with time running out and sure enough he ran wide leading to a huge roar of applause from the 'Tifosi'. The gap which never went beyond 0.6 secs now went up to 2 point something secs and effectively sealed the race. This was a 2-horse race with all other drivers reduced to also-rans leaving me nothing to write home about. Well, almost. The Honda team did not allow that to happen. They provided us with solid entertainment in the pitlane when the lollypop man momentarily let Button go when the fuel nozzle was still in. It was hillarious to say the least much to the misfortune of Jenson Button who has to wait for another day for that elusive first win. And yes, the final podium was taken by my Mclaren boy Juan.