Fernando Alonso

The giant-killing performances were what caught your attention first: hustling an uncompetitive Minardi around Suzuka to finish a barely credible 11th in 2001; seemingly appearing from nowhere to grab his first pole position (Malaysia 2003); and becoming the then-youngest-ever grand prix winner (Hungary, again in '03, appropriately nabbing the honour from Bruce McLaren himself, who'd achieved in way back in 1959) in truly effortless fashion. With his intent signified, his move to the Renault team gave him the firepower to fulfill his ambition. Armed with 2005's R25, the greatness that had been glimpsed in snatches was quickly and thoroughly refined. It was immediately apparent at that year's San Marino Grand Prix, where his incredibly precise defence of the lead kept no less than keening, hungry world champion Michael Schumacher at bay. It was a performance marked by the skill of an old veteran rather than a hungry newcomer. The trickle of victories quickly turned into a torrent: se