MOTORSPORT: Can we vindicate Alonso yet?

Yesterday’s announcement that Renault will retain its driver lineup for 2009 is sure to make next season more interesting. Lewis has the consistency to repeat; Kimi has promised to be better; but it’s Fernando Alonso’s performance late in the season that showcased what a talented driver he truly is. I don't think anyone would argue that Renault has not been on form the past two seasons, yet Alonso was able to rally the team to a respectable fourth place finish in the constructor’s championship. Furthermore, I believe that it does in some way justify what many have labeled “whining” during his stint at McLaren. He has demonstrated that he’s a driver that’s worthy of the attention he felt was not being directed toward him. I’ll go further and say that I believe Lewis Hamilton—as talented as he is—would not be the driver and McLaren most certainly would not be the car it is without the in-car development talent that Alonso brings to any team (that also takes into account whatever advantage McLaren may have gained as a result of Stepneygate). Given those two factors: outstanding driving and rapid development, call me crazy but I'll make a prediction that Fernando Alonso will win the 2009 driver’s championship. It’ll be his third and arguably most rewarding given the road he’s had to take to return to glory.