Regarded by many as Formula 1’s most complete driver, there’s no questioning Fernando Alonso’s talent behind the wheel.

Like Michael Schumacher, the man whose career he vanquished with his back-to-back drivers’ titles in 2005 and 2006, Alonso has raw speed and frighteningly focused commitment in equal measure. In a similar vein to the seven-time German champion, he seems to be able to pull astonishing passing moves and unlikely victories out of nowhere.

The only question mark surrounds his Latin temperament. As could be seen when he went head-to-head (and lost) against young buck Lewis Hamilton at McLaren in 2007, and his post-chequered flag gesticulation at Renault’s Vitaly Petrov after missing out on the 2010 title in Abu Dhabi, he’s not the happiest man when things don’t go his way. But that’s probably just an indicator of how passionate his internal driving force is. And how hard he’ll be pushing for a first title with Ferrari in 2012.

Despite not having the best of cars, Alonso was able to conquer poor rainy conditions and the late challenge of young Mexican Sergio Perez to win the Malaysian Grand Pix.