"Fernando Alonso has not had the fastest car this season and he and the team have made mistakes, but he has come through adversity and just missed a third title.
"Despite a number of errors, such as spinning in Australia, jumping the start wildly in China, and crashing in Monaco and Spa, he remained a championship contender as he has done for four of the past six seasons.
"Back in July, when he was 47 points behind after a drive-through penalty at Silverstone, he still said 'I can win this'. You have to admire his confidence and inner steeliness.
"Despite the pressure the team took after the Hockenheim team orders saga, there is no doubt a cornerstone of Ferrari's success has been Alonso's ability to drive the whole team forward.
"Mark Webber summed up his irascibility on track in Brazil when he said; 'The last bloke you want on your tail when he smells blood is Fernando Alonso.'
"Alonso is strong in the head and that is why he is a great sportsman."
ALONSO TAKES OUR DRIVERS' TEST
What three words would you use to describe what it's like to be a Formula 1 driver?
You have to be talented and lucky, but it's very enjoyable!
What is the biggest perk of the job?
Driving these amazing cars. We all love motor racing and Formula 1 has the best technology so we are fortunate to be behind the wheel of these cars.
How would you like to be remembered as an F1 driver?
Hopefully as a great champion.
What is your most embarrassing sporting moment?
It was my first race in Australia 2001 with Minardi. There was no chance to test before Melbourne and so I arrived there never having driven the car. During Friday practice I nearly hit the car in front of me in the pit lane as I couldn't find the neutral button. I found it at the last moment and managed to avoid a collision!
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