Waxed Alonso shows bald ambition at F1 finale

As Formula 1 enters its final weekend of the season, with three drivers in with a realistic chance of the title, the favourite, Fernando Alonso, has taken the strange step of having his legs completely waxed.Whether it was an attempt to shave vital milligrams off his body weight or to make himself cooler or more aerodynamic under his Ferrari overalls, it has certainly got the rest of the paddock talking.Some are even suggesting that the move somehow illustrates Alonso's desire to win, albeit in an abstract sort of way.Former teammate Lewis Hamilton saw the comedy in Alonso's decision, but also claimed it demonstrated the Ferrari driver's steely determination."I'm surprised how he was able to take the pain of having his legs waxed," he said."We noticed as we were walking in. Mark [Webber] pointed it out and was asking: 'How far has it gone up?' I was like: 'Wow, they are shiny.'"So I'm impressed he can do that. That shows his mental state. But I think he has shown over the years how solid he is mentally. He just doesn't care. You ask him questions about Germany and he just doesn't care."In referring to "Germany", Hamilton is of course talking about the incident in the Hockenheim Grand Prix in July where Ferrari ordered Felipe Massa to give way to Alonso.Team orders being illegal in Formula One, Ferrari were hit with a fine, but Alonso was allowed to keep the seven points he gained as a result of the unlawful manoeuvre. Last year's champion Jenson Button, who is now out of contention, said last week that he hoped that that seven points wouldn't decide the race to be champion. "Some will be disappointed with what happened at Hockenheim and question whether he [Fernando] deserves it. I just hope he wins it by more than seven points," said the McLaren driver.       

When asked about it this week, Alonso said the events in Germany were not on his mind as he focuses on Sunday's race in Abu Dhabi. "There is much to do on Friday and Saturday, preparing for the weekend in the right way," he said. Our only goal at this moment is to win the race or finish second. That's the target and that's what I think we can achieve this weekend."If he fails in that aim then the door will open for Red Bull drivers Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel who lie second and third in the title race within striking distance of the Ferrari man. ·