Does the Santander
Deal Guarantee
Alonso for 2010?

Santander began its current partnership with McLaren in 2007, the same time Fernando Alonso began his racing stint at McLaren. Of course, it seems quite logical Santander would wish to sponsor a successful team featuring a successful driver from their own country. Unfortunately for Santander, Alonso's falling out with McLaren left Santander stuck at the Woking based team without their driver.

Santander now has the ability to regain a partnership with Fernando Alonso, by signing a deal with Ferrari. As Santander's deal with McLaren was no doubt a result of Alonso's activity there, it should not be strange to suggest Santander has at least some knowledge of a future Scuderia deal with Alonso. Luca di Montezemolo would have us think otherwise though:

"[Our] partnership... doesn't mean anything in terms of choices for the near future. I want to say it again, that the drivers are chosen by Ferrari and not by the sponsors."

Surely Luca would not wish to give anything away at the moment. As such, he would likely say a great many things to keep the deal quiet. Though, even I cannot see a Ferrari without Alonso.

For months I have been rather annoyed and possibly even infuriated with the constant "Alonso to Ferrari" rumours. Deciding to completely ignore them at one point. However, it really cannot be ignored nor denied any longer. As such, I suspect there is an eight in ten chance Fernando Alonso will race for Ferrari next season.