Formula1 Fancast brings you the latest in our regular glances into the past to hand pick some of the most thrilling, spectacular and downright controversial that have helped make Formula 1 the sport we know and love today.

Not so much back in the day  as back in the recent past this time round, next up for the treatment is Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard has always been a divisive figure and has been involved in his fair share of memorable moments ever since he burst onto the scene in 2001.

Now the two time World Champion is gunning for his first podium finish at this weekend’s Turkish Grand Prix after a difficult start to the 2011 season, here is a reminder of what he is truly capable of.

As ever if you disagree, agree or want to offer your own fondest memories of Alonso in full flow get in touch through Twitter (@formula1fancast) Facebook (search formula 1 fancast) or leave a comment below!

2010 – Korean Grand Prix

Fans of Alonso won’t have to cat their minds to far back to reminisce about the Spaniard standing atop the podium after a glorious drive – in fact it was only 6 races ago.

If Alonso hailed 2010 as the “best year of his career” then the inaugural Korean Grand Prix must surely be the finest win of last year’s campaign as he announced his arrival as a serious contender for the title after a difficult start to the season with an outstanding race victory.

Set amidst the backdrop of perhaps the most frantic title race of modern times, concerns the main grandstand wouldn’t be ready in time and horrendously wet conditions.

Alonso snatched the championship lead and indeed race lead from Red Bull’s Mark Bull after the Australian imploded when in control of the race on lap 19, leaving Alonso in the clear to weave his magic. Throw in a battle with arch-foe, a huge slice of fortune as those around him struggled in the wet and you have the makings of a classic race.

“Avanti! Avanti” he screamed down his team radio after picking up his fifth and final win of the season, and although he was eventually pipped to the championship post, it will be a long time before he forgets his magical Korean Grand Prix win.

Click here to watch (external link)

2007 Brazilian Grand Prix

It would be impossible to mention Fernando Alonso and some of his best (and worst) moments without a nod to the now infamous 2007 season. Accusations of favouritism, in-fighting, battles on track, a very public falling out, and of course the “Spygate” scandal – the 2007 season was one of the most controversial in living memory, and Alonso was at the very heart of the action.

It is almost impossible to pick one race from that season (the Hungarian Grand Prix and the Canadian Grand Prix deserve honourable mention amongst others), but for the sheer drama of it, it simply must be the Brazilian race that year.

After their on-going battle for the Championship team-mates Lewis Hamilton and Alonso went toe to toe with Kimi Raikkonen for the championship, but both got into trouble with Hamilton scraping his way to 7th while Alonso could only finish 4th, allowing Raikkonen to snatch the title from McLaren.

It was the first time since 1986 that three men were able to win the championship going into the last race, but the events of the Brazilian Grand Prix mean it will go down in the record books for altogether different reasons.

Click here to watch (external link)

2006 -Monaco Grand Prix

Is there a finer feeling than winning the Monaco Grand Prix and back to back World Championships? Well that is exactly what Fernando Alonso did in 2006, but perhaps the most defining moment of his season came at the most glamorous of circuits, and once again it wasn’t without controversy.

Engulfed in a battle with Michael Schumacher who was looking to show the talented pretender to his throne just who was boss, showed signs of cracking in the face of an onslaught from the Spaniard in his Renault.

Not for the first time Schumacher resorted to underhanded tactics to get an advantage, but this time his tricks didn’t work. Race stewards adjudged the German had deliberately “parked” his Ferrari on the final bend to stop Alonso challenging him for pole position in qualifying, and was duly demoted to the back of the grid.

And Alonso made him pay for his actions by taking a comprehensive victory that set him on his way to the title, opening up a gap of almost 15 seconds on 2^nd placed Jaun Pablo Montoya after emerging from the pits hundredths of a second in front of the Columbian. The first of two wins in Monaco to date, Formula 1 can’t get much sweeter than this.

Click here to watch (external link)

Keep checking Formula1Fancast for the latest ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix which takes place on 6th, 7th and 8th May. Make sure you follow us on Twitter too.

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