ALONSO’S AGONY!

Ferrari insisted that Spaniard Fernando Alonso should have been crowned champion in an acrimonious, season-finale parting shot to a thrilling Formula One season - and many race fans in Bahrain agree.

Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel’s sixth-place finish in the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday allowed him to become the youngest three-time champion in the sport’s history as the 25-year-old German claimed the title by just three points.

But Ferrari insisted that Alonso, who was second at Interlagos, should have been the man celebrating a third career title, pointing to controversial races in Belgium and Japan to support their argument.

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali said that Alonso paid a heavy price for first lap exits in Belgium and Japan where he was shunted out of contention by Lotus duo Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen respectively.

The Italian giants had been further aggrieved when Vettel, accused of blocking Alonso in qualifying in Japan before going on to win the race, escaped with just a reprimand.

"We are proud of Fernando," Domenicali said. "But we are very disappointed because the one who deserved this championship was really him. It is a shame because, after such a long season that we really fight in all conditions, we raced 18 races and not 20 – and being second by three points is not a lot.

"Watch the facts. Zero points in two races (Belgium and Japan) so we have done what, we have done with 18 races. The others had 20 – and the points were over 20 races. These are facts, not words."

But Domenicali remained gracious in his praise of Vettel who had collided with Williams driver Bruno Senna on the opening lap and was sent spinning to the rear of the field in Sunday’s rain-lashed race before recovering.

"Sometimes there is a sign of destiny where you really can appreciate the direction of the wind," he said.

Alonso, who was second behind Jenson Button of McLaren in the race, also insisted his campaign had been undermined at Spa and Suzuka.

"The championship was not lost here," said the two-time champion. "The championship was lost when (Romain) Grosjean flew over my head (at Spa) or when Vettel surprisingly only got a reprimand after qualifying in Japan."

The Ferrari driver was the favourite amongst the host of employees at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), marshals and Bahrain’s local sport writers as they all cheered him on at Motorox Cafe in Budaiya while watching a turbulent season finale staged in Brazil which was filled with changing weather conditions and action-packed drama.

Watching at home in Bahrain, Martin Whitaker, BIC’s former chief executive officer and a staunch F1 enthusiast, said: "I thought the race was excellent. When it rains in Brazil it always throws off a really interesting race and Sunday night was really no different.

"I thought Vettel was incredibly lucky. To sit facing the wrong way and watching all the other cars driving towards you must have been a heart-stopping moment. All in all, it was a great finale to what has been a really fascinating season.

"For Vettel to win three times in a row, and at such a young age, is great. He put on a magnificent performance. The team and the car have proven consistently over the past three years how good they are.

"McLaren, on a good day, is a match for them and they will rue the fact that they let themselves down on a number of occasions this year. It will make next season even more exciting and it’s great to know that everyone will be coming here again to Bahrain on April 21 - it’s not that far off.

"Also, if there was a driver-of-the-year award, I would have to give it to Alonso as he did great this season. He stuck it out in a very difficult car and showed what he could do by taking chances. Everybody had written him off at the beginning of the year but he still managed to win a few races which nobody would have given him."

Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, BIC’s chief executive officer, said: "What a race! What a way to end the season. Brazil always delivers a thrilling race. Rain ... accidents and not knowing who will win in the end? I feel each of the big teams, Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull, were winners on Sunday.

"Red Bull won the championship while McLaren won the final race and left on a high for next year. Ferrari got second back in the constructors championship after Lewis was hit and did not finish the race. I’m very happy with the season and am looking forward to having all the teams back at the BIC in April 2013."

BIC marshal Hassan Ismail, 22, from Hamad Town, agreed with Whitaker, adding: "I was hoping for Alonso to win but with the condition of his car he finished three points behind the championship leader. Regardless, he fought hard this season and is still a champion in my books.

"The finale was filled with action and accidents. I think Ferrari did a good job by managing to get both drivers on the podium, which was a bit difficult. However, at the end of day, Vettel got the championship. He is a good driver and deserved it. You don’t win these things easily."

The kingdom’s Ferrari fanatics are hopeful that next year will bring glory for Alonso.

Die-hard Alonso fan, Ali Dadi, 28, was upset about Vettel’s win. The corporate communication officer for Bahrain Handball Association, from Isa Town, said: "It was a good race and there were a lot of changes due to the weather conditions.

"I kept my fingers crossed for Alonso, but Vettel took it even though he didn’t even make the podium. He had a better car this season and he is a good driver. It was a good race and congrats to Vettel, but I am honestly not happy."

Vettel refused to get involved in a war of words although he did allude to his rivals’ controversial decision last weekend in Texas to change the gearbox on Felipe Massa’s Ferrari in order to allow Alonso to enjoy a starting advantage on the grid.

"A lot of people tried to play dirty tricks but we did not get distracted by that and kept going our way and all the guys gave a big push right to the end," Vettel said.

The German struggled with his emotions and wept on Sunday’s final lap, which was completed behind the safety car.