BRAZIL: MOTOR RACING: Fans start to arrive at circuit final Grand Prix

Formula One fans started to arrive early at Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit on Sunday (October 21) for Brazil's highly anticipated title-deciding Grand Prix. With three potential title winners - McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, his teammate Fernando Alonso and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen - it is one of the most exciting seasons in years. Brazilians are confident that Felipe Massa, who made the pole position on Saturday (October 20), will lead the race and repeat last year's feat. Hamilton leads Alonso by four points, with Finland's Raikkonen a further three behind in the first three-way title decider since 1986. Although Alonso himself believes he may need a miracle to win the title, his fans seem more convinced that the Spaniard may become a three-time champion. Spanish fan Blas Martinez said Alonso has experience and may win the title. "Alonso has won twice in Brazil and has possibilities. The hopes were lost until days ago and now he once again has possibilities (of winning the title). We will support him," he said wrapped around his country's flag. But Hamilton's fans, like the Canadian Jean Marc Denault, said the British driver is very close to becoming the youngest Formula One champ. "I'm supporting him because he's a young aggressive rookie and he's showing without any doubt that it is possible to win a Formula One championship in your first year," he said. And it seems like the rookie has been gaining hearts and minds throughout the world with consecutive victories and charisma. Although many Brazilian fans support Ferrari's Massa for Sunday's race, most want McLaren's fresh face to win the title this year. "In the race I'm supporting Massa, but in the championship I support Hamilton," said Brazilian fan Alexandre Miranda. Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen was third fastest in Saturday's qualifying and shares the second row with McLaren's unhappy double world champion Fernando Alonso. Hamilton could have wrapped up the title in China two weeks ago but skidded out of that wet race on worn tyres. Brazil's dry tracks offer another chance. Having Massa on pole rather than Raikkonen or Alonso has served as a boost since no driver has won a race this season from further back than third place.

ITN Source | October 22, 2007

Tags:. .winners. .victories. .fresh. .potential. .exciting