Alonso plays politics in Brazil

Felipe Massa (left) and Fernando Alonso
12 April 2012

Fernando Alonso said all the right things when he revealed he would love nothing more than to see Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa win Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix in front of his own fans.

Ferrari's fight for the Formula One world title has been overshadowed by events at the German Grand Prix in July, when on the back of coded team orders Massa eased aside to allow Alonso through for the win.

"Felipe is normally very strong here," said Alonso, when asked if he expected Massa to be a willing accomplice despite racing in front of his own adoring Brazilian public. "I think the best thing for us, for me in the championship, for the numbers, is to have Felipe winning the race because he takes 25 points from everybody else."

With Alonso standing on the brink of another drivers' title, leading the standings by 11 points from Red Bull's Mark Webber, it is evident rancour still exists in certain quarters.

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner revisited the issue this week when he stated a third title triumph for Alonso "would be frustrating because we've obviously worked under the auspices that team orders have been illegal".

Alonso added: "This year, from first to second, there is the biggest difference in points - seven, but from second to third, third to fourth, there are very small differences which may allow me to keep the advantage I have.

"So the worry for me is the 25 points, if one of the other drivers takes those points. Hopefully Felipe can win both races (Brazil and Abu Dhabi). It will be the best thing for me."

In terms of attempting to win over a passionate public almost certain to jeer the Spaniard this weekend, it was a master stroke in damage limitation from Alonso.

As for Massa, there is a natural desire to win in front of his own fans to prove he is still worthy of their support, but it is clear he also knows his place. Asked if he would cede to Alonso on Sunday should the possibility arise, he replied: "I did it already, in 2007."

Massa allowed then team-mate Kimi Raikkonen to claim victory here three years ago, and in so doing the Finn clinched the title by a point from Lewis Hamilton and Alonso.

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