SEPTEMBER 19, 2005

Fernando heads for a record

This week in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Fernando Alonso could become the youngest ever Formula 1 World Champion. The 24-year-old Spaniard looks likely to beat a record which has stood for 33 years, dating back to 1972 when Emerson Fittipaldi became World Champion at the age of 25 years, eight months and 29 days, to beat the previous record which had belonged to Jim Clark, who became the youngest World Champion at 27 years, six months and four days nine years earlier.

Since Fittipaldi three other drivers have eclipsed Clark with Michael Schumacher taking his first title in 1994 at the age of 25 years, 10 months and 10 days, while Niki Lauda won his first World Championship in 1975 at the age of 26 years, six months and 16 days. This total was almost matched in 1997 when Jacques Villeneuve won the title at 26 years, six months and 17 days. If Alonso fails to win the title this year, he could still beat the record in a year's time as 24 years one month and 27 days is a long way clear of Fittipaldi's record.