From typicallyspanish.com
Fernando Alonso makes fourth in Melbourne
By h.b.
Mar 16, 2008 - 8:46 AM
Fernando Alonso did far better at the Austrialian Grand Prix than he expected. After starting 11th on the grid, being far slower than his rivals in qualification, the driver from Asturias carried out an intelligent race to finish fourth.
The pole had gone to Lewis Hamilton, who won the race which turned out to be one where most accidents have been seen for some years. It seems most drivers are having trouble following the new regulation banning computerised track control, which had been helping keep the cars on the curves. 15 cars in total dropped out of the race, including both the Ferrari, leaving just seven finishers.
The safety car had be to brought on three times during the race. Hamilton was joined on the podium by Nick Heidfield and Nico Rosberg. It all leads to what promises to be an exciting new season.
A happy Alonso said that things boded well for the new season, although he said a great deal of work was still to be done on the Renault R28 car. Experts consider that the car lacks power, speed and traction.