Michael Schumacher will welcome Alonso with open arms

After the announcement of Fernando Alonso’s transfer to Ferrari for 2010, Michael Schumacher expressed his satisfaction and welcomed the Spaniard with open arms to the Italian Scuderia.

A few days ago, Ferrari confirmed that they had signed a contract with Fernando Alonso, currently with Renault, for the 2010 season and at least until 2012 (with an option for two additional years). The Spaniard will replace Kimi Räikkönen at the Reds. The Finn is taking his time to choose his future team.

Once the transfer became known to the media, Alonso specified that he wanted to do as well as his illustrious predecessor, seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher. The Iberian would like to achieve 5 consecutive titles in F1 and as many wins to his record. The German welcomed it and had been expecting the transfer for a long time in his team.

« Fernando [Alonso] with Ferrari is something that I adore a lot. » he comments on his website. « I have been aware of the idea from the beginning and it’s something that has always pleased me. I am certain that Alonso will feel good with us and I can only say to him: ‘Welcome Fernando!’ »

The transfer will be effective on January 1, 2010, unless Renault, like McLaren, decides to let its protégé leave earlier.