Kimi Raikkonen - 2007 F1 World Champion

This was how it looked:

Lewis Hamilton: 107 points
Fernando Alonso: 103 points
Kimi Raikkonen - 100 points

Hamilton was favourite to clinch the championship today but with odds stacked against him, Kimi Raikkonen did all that could have been asked of him and won the Brazilian GP. Still, he needed other results to go his way, for him to win his 1st drivers' championship in Formula 1.

It started with his teammate, Massa on pole with Hamilton and Kimi behind. Kimi overtook Hamilton at the start and patiently drove a well-paced race behind Massa. Meanwhile Alonso and Hamilton were fighting it out for 3rd place but Hamilton attempted an unlikely manoeuvre and suffered the consequence of being knocked off the track. He never recovered and his fans must have had their hearts in their mouth when he appeared to slow down but seconds later, appeared to be in full throttle yet again. As we learned later, it was a hydraulic problem but it managed to switch to a backup system.

Spare a thought for Hamilton: here's a man in his rookie season performing beyond expectations. Sure he's never suffered the ill-luck as his teammate, Alonso or Raikkonen but he's done everything in his control. That he and his team made a few mistakes in the last 2 races shouldn't detract from his memorable season.

Ferrari couldn't have choreographed it better. With Kimi behind Massa up and until the second and final round of pitstops, no-one could have accused them of team orders which hounded them in 2002. Massa played his supporting part to perfection and was a critical pawn in Kimi's title run.

For Kimi, who has often been the bridesmaid with Mclaren in 2003 and 2005, this was a dream result for him. There was a time in the season when he seemed out of contention ; 26 points behind Lewis Hamilton in the drivers' championship. Credit should be given to the ice-cool Finn who has finally had luck on his side. No-one can begrudge him this title as he was made to work hard for it and must have taken some mental strength to come from behind when everything was stacked against him. It's rather ironic that he came from Mclaren and replaced Michael Schumacher, a 7-time champion at Ferrari, and has won the title. Maybe poetic justice, maybe reward for 5 years of waiting.

Formula 1 fans have been treated this season. You can't ask for more when you have 3 contenders going into the final race and waiting till the last lap for the Champion to be crowned. 1 point separating 3 drivers demonstrates how close it really was!

You wait for such moments in sport when the underdog has performed a coup leaving the favourites humbled. It happened today and Ferrari fans are celebrating! A certain Michael Schumacher is beaming in his living room as well.



How it finished:

Kimi Raikkonen: 110 points
Lewis Hamilton: 109 points
Fernando Alonso: 109 points



CONGRATS TO KIMI RAIKKONEN!

India win Twenty20 title

India has lifted the World Twenty20 Cricket title after a nail-biting 5 run victory over Pakistan. All in all, it was a wonderful advertisement for this new animal -- most skeptics viewed this as a temporary candy-fill preferring to dismiss it as a whole.

The game was played in excellent spirit with both teams giving it their all. The quality was high with fielding, batting and bowling evident how these 2 teams reached the final. Pakistan were certainly worthy runnerups.

India just seemed destined to do it especially after no-one gave them a chance and with a young side, clearly had a lot to prove. They made everyone take notice of them after losing to New Zealand when every game was do-or-die; first with Yuvraj's 6 sixes against England; against hosts South Africa - not just beating them but knocking them completely out of the competition when they were in a comfortable position to finish top of the table; then knocking out fancied Australia in the semis; and finally arch-rivals Pakistan.

It is indeed remarkable for a side that has a new captain and a relatively new team, to fire in its capacity and on such a stage: the ICC T20 World Cup. What stood out was a team effort in all matches headed by a composed captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Maturity was also evident. Against South Africa, before even the game began, the experts said that India would be blasted off the pitch by SA's quick men. They even prepared a green pacy wicket for their bowlers. And with Yuvraj Singh injured, SA had begun the match ahead of India. Such notions were apparent when India lost 3 wickets in 4 balls before debutant Rohit Sharma and skipper Dhoni propelled India to a competitive score which would be more than enough. In the end, it was South Africa who were left reeling on a green top with India's quickmen, RP Singh and co demolishing SA's top order. At the end, SA were left struggling to just aim for a smaller target which could see them at least qualify. They failed in that too.

India's achievement should serve as a reminder to the Board and its selectors: give youth a chance and it will always pay. We saw it in the last 2 weeks and were not disappointed.

Man U 2:0 Chelsea

Post-Mourinho Chelsea had a daunting task: go to Old Trafford to face their closest rivals, Manchester United.

It didn't go so well, first with the sending off Mikel which appeared to be harsh and then Tevez opening his account by scoring his first United goal, before the close of the first half.

The second half was largely undramatic and appeared dull at times especially without the effervescent Jose Mourinho hovering the touchline. The introduction of Louis Saha livened it up a bit and a penalty was awarded when Ben Haim appeared to trip Saha in the area. Saha stepped up and converted to push United to 2nd in the league table.

Mourinho not to coach Portugal

The ex-Blues manager, Jose Mourinho has clearly stated to the media that he's not interested in coaching the Portuguese national team. "O Selecção is going to qualify easily for Euro 08 and are a good team. And they will do well because they are one of the best in Europe", Mourinho mentioned.

With Big Phil banned for 4 games, it wouldn't have been a bad idea for FPF to pull Jose in to help them through the crucial stages. There are only 5 games left for Portugal to secure a berth for next summer's European championship in Austria and Switzerland. Portugal are currently behind Finland and leaders, Poland.

Twenty20 WC semifinal action

Wow what a final in prospect. With Pakistan beating New Zealand and India beating Australia, the stage is set for India and Pakistan to meet again in the final. The 2 teams played each other in the group stages for that all-memorable bowlout win for India.

India, for the 3rd game running in Durban, won the toss, opted to bat and posted a winning total to beat England, hosts South Africa and now Australia.

Pakistan too, have momentum, beating Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand and look in good touch.

No-one expected the Asian giants to be favourites but certainly, a mouth-watering prospect come Monday.

Ferrari 1-2 in Belgium

Ferrari regained lost ground over McLaren by securing 1-2 at Spa Francorchamps today. Kimi Raikkonen led from pole and Felipe Massa second. It was a largely uneventful race with all front four runner ending up in the exact same order they started.

Championship-wise, Kimi's now closed the gap from 18 to 13 points while Alonso is only 2 points behind leader Hamilton.

Arsenal go top of EPL

Arsenal went top of the table Saturday following their 3-1 away win over Spurs. Liverpool and Chelsea drew with Pompey and Blackburn Rovers respectively.

Manchester United earned a valuable 1-0 victory away at Everton courtesy of Nemanja Vidic's header off Nani's corner. Ronaldo returned after serving out his suspension a month ago and it would have been a welcome change for him after drawing 3 crucial Euro 08 qualifiers for Portugal.

Saha returns with a goal

Manchester United faced a tricky encounter at Old Trafford tonight against Roy Keane's Sunderland. United were again short of ideas in the final third until second half substitute, Louis Saha made an impression replacing debutant Anderson. He had 2 shots on goal both saved by Craig Gordon but ultimately headed from a Nani corner. It was a huge sigh of relief for Fergie and Co and while it was only a 1-0 win, it was a win nonetheless. There are positives however, with Cristiano Ronaldo being available after a 3 match suspension following a red card against Pompey in mid-August. Wayne Rooney has appeared to be in training and should be available in 3 weeks. Things looking promising for the champions.

Meanwhile Liverpool trashed Derby 6-0 at Anfield; Torres and Alonso with braces - thus making a huge statement as title contenders.

Chelsea play away in Aston Villa tomorrow while Arsenal host Pompey.

Hamilton wins Hungarian GP

Following Alonso being stripped of pole and being docked 5 positions, Lewis Hamilton drove a flawless race leading from start to finish. Only Ferrari's Kimi Raikonnen posed a threat to the British rookie.

Alonso finished 4th behind Heidfeld and Massa ended 14th - disappointing race for the Brazilian as he falls further behind in the championship standings.

It remains to be seen if Mclaren have constructor's points for this race following the qualifying incident with Alonso & Hamilton.

United win Community Shield

Manchester United might have claimed psychological points over Chelsea at the curtain-raiser at Wembley Sunday afternoon but no doubt, both managers were looking to conserve players' energy as the EPL season kicks off next weekend.

Giggs' opener was equalised by new Blues signing, Malouda with a brilliant solo effort following a long pass from Ashley Cole.

With the match tied at 1-1 at fulltime, sudden death took place. United shotstopper, Van der Sar saved 3 penalties and United converted the same number to down the FA cup winners.

Ferguson opted to start without any of his new signings though there was a brief late entry for Portugal star, Nani.

2-year loan spell for Tevez?

Rumors: Manchester United has signed a loan spell for West Ham's Carlos Tevez. The transfer is going to be for 2 years with the option of United buying the player at the end of the tenure.

Erring on the side of caution is the name of the game and looks like another shrewd move by Sir Alex and his men.

No actual confirmation from United reported.

United target Tevez

Reports that Manchester United is preparing for a swoop for Argentina and West Ham striker, Carlos Tevez are swarming the web. Whether this is speculation or a decoy, only time will tell.

My opinion is that Tevez for all his quality might be surplus to requirements and not quite complement Wayne Rooney as they seem to share the same qualities: pugnacious and smallish stature. Sir Alex has certainly not been thrifty this summer splashing over 50M euros on Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson and now, possibly rumored to be another 20M for Tevez.

Ferrari back on track

Ferrari drivers, Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa have revived their team's title hopes. Their 1-2 finish ahead of Mclaren's Lewis Hamilton has reduced the deficit between the two constructors.

Massa, starting from pole had a good start along with Kimi who started from third on the grid. Massa surrendered the lead to Kimi after the 2nd and final pitstop. The Finn had no problems towards his 2nd win for the Ferrari team.

It's too early to say if it's a flash-in-the-pan performance or if it'll be a trend for at least the European leg of the 2007 season.

Torres to leave Atletico

Atletico favourite, Fernando Torres will be joining Liverpool after the management reportedly received a substantial offer for the Spanish international. The striker's move also signals a swap deal for Liverpool's Luís Garcia.

Meanwhile, Owen Hargreaves is officially a Red Devil. The former Bayern Munich midfielder is delighted to finally be in Manchester after months of speculation.

¡Adiós Capello!

Real Madrid has fired Fabio Capello, their manager who, just less than 2 weeks ago took them to Liga glory for the first time in 4 years.

Well the swords are out and reform at Real continues. Hopefully, Frank and co. won't suffer the same fate at Barça.

Thierry all signed up

Thierry Henry is a Barça player - it's official. Pictures of him finishing his medical and sporting a Barcelona No. 14 shirt are all over the Net.

More news from Man U - C. Ronaldo has mentioned that he feels his compatriot Nani can be as successful, if not more, than him. He'll help Nani and Brazilian youngster, Anderson settle in at Manchester.
Looks like a bright future for Man U.

Henry departs Arsenal for Barça

Cannot be good news for Arsenal as Thierry Henry, the talismanic man for the Gunners has announced his departure to the La Liga giants, Barcelona.

This is a severe blow not only to Arsenal, but the Premiership as a whole, as flair players are a premium. Arsene Wenger, provided he stays will have a lot on his plate in terms of player-quality and experience. But he's shown before that he can get the most of what's available in front of him.

Good Luck to Arsenal and Henry!

Football end of season

Now that the football season is over, we are looking forward to the transfer window and Champions League draw for 07/08.