Formula one: Last year’s race still haunts Alonso

Alonso uncomfortable returning to the Yas Marina Circuit after his seventh place there cost him the 2010 championship

ABU DHABI: Fernando Alonso admitted he will be a bit uncomfortable returning to the Yas Marina Circuit after his seventh place there cost him the 2010 championship. Alonso was in pole position to win the title last season, requiring just a top-four finish to secure the championship. However, Ferrari pitted Alonso early to cover off Mark Webber, and he was then stuck behind sixth-placed Vitaly Petrov for the rest of the race. “The most frequent question will be about my return to the circuit,” said Alonso. “It wouldn’t be honest if I said I won’t be a bit uncomfortable when I see the paddock for the first time.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th,  2011.