Formula One news

Happy Birthday Fernando Alonso

2005 champion-elect Fernando Alonso will celebrate his twenty fourth birthday at the wheel of his Renault on Friday. However, in Budapest for the thirteenth grand prix out of nineteen, the Spaniard is planning neither a cake nor party.

"No -- I'm focused on the weekend," he insisted. "Maybe if I win, then we can have a double party!"

Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello poked fun at the F1 youngster, who would become the youngest ever world champion. The Brazilian, who debuted when Fernando was a twelve year old, grinned: "How old is he? 19?"

Jenson Button joked that his F1 rivals' should band together to ensure that Alonso - a favourite in Hungary - gets 'really drunk' on Friday. "We can do that," the BAR driver laughed.

The press room, meanwhile, erupted in the loudest laughter when championship challenger Kimi Raikkonen offered his droll best wishes. "Happy birthday," the Finn croaked.

Even teammate Giancarlo Fisichella had to admit that - at 24 - Alonso should be applauded for crafting a 'quite easy' cruise to the title. "He's been quite lucky this year," said the Roman, "but I am happy for him. Maybe he can give me a present on Sunday!"

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