Fernando Alonso moved to Ferrari for one reason alone – to win more races and add to his tally of championship titles. So it’s all the more ironic that the Spaniard seems to have learnt the habit of losing gracefully with the Scuderia. At least, that’s the line he feeds to the media.

Even before he missed out on the 2010 title in Abu Dhabi last November, the two-time champion told reporters that the season had been his best so far in the top flight of motor racing, regardless of how it ended. No-one really believed him at the time but he is still adamant: “I’m in no hurry to leave this team. I’m enjoying myself here, whether I come second, eighth or even 23rd.”

Another slightly incredible assertion by the Spaniard. Alonso certainly appears to have fallen under the spell of the Prancing Horse. “I knew I was joining a legendary and magical team, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was even better than expected,” he told the Spanish press. But magic, myth and a fistful of euros won’t be enough to keep him satisfied long term.

“I’m not in this game to make friends but to win titles,” he stresses. And you don’t do that by coming 23rd. “Let’s see if I can win enough races and titles for people to remember my name. Even if I don’t, I’ll still be satisfied and proud when I eventually retire.” With two championship titles under his belt, he would have every reason to feel content. But somehow, you sense that won’t be enough for the man.

Source: http://uk.autoblog.com/2011/03/06/alonso-even-happy-with-23rd/