Hasn't done his ability justice (Jean Alesi)

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Product:	Jean Alesi
Date:	21/02/01 (1 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Served Formula 1 well

Disadvantages: potential wasn't forfilled

Jean Alesi is one of F1's survivors and after 12 years in the sport, he is also one of the longest-serving drivers. He began his career aged 19 in the French Renault 5 GT Turbo Cup and graduated to French Formula 3 in 1986, winning the Championship in 1987. He then moved to International F3000 and won the 1989 title with Eddie Jordan's team. That year a mid-season F1 drive came up at Tyrrell and Alesi took it, finishing fourth in his first Grand Prix at his home race in France.

He got the seat full-time for the following season and in 1991 moved up to drive for Ferrari - a dream come true for the French-Sicilian. Despite winning only one race (the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix) he was one of Maranello's favourites and stayed with the team for five years, partnering Gerhard Berger for three of them.

Alesi's next move was to Benetton, again to partner Berger, but the next couple of years were troubled as the team got used to racing without Michael Schumacher. He still managed fourth and third places in the 1996 and 1997 Championships but moved to Sauber in 1998. After two uncompetitive seasons with the Swiss team Alesi signed up to drive for his old friend Alain Prost.

Renowned for his Latin temper but well liked within the sport, everyone was hoping 2000 would be Alesi's best year yet. Sadly, it has turned out to be one of his worst. The Prost team - embroiled in political problems - provided a seriously uncompetitive car beset with mechanical failures, and despite spirited driving, Alesi rarely finished a race, with his best result a ninth place at the Nurburgring. Ironically, the car's dire performance only served to illustrate what a wasted talent the Frenchman is - he put it seventh on the grid in Monaco while his team-mate could only manage 18th.

Despite the team's problems Alesi has vowed to stick by Alain Prost for 2001 and indeed the rest of his driving career. With a Ferrari engine deal in place
for 2001, there is even an outside chance of one last shot at F1 glory for the much-loved Frenchman.

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