Essential Reading for December 25th, 2008

Recommended links for December 25th, 2008:

• Alonso in fresh Ferrari link – Speculation linking Fernando Alonso with a future at Ferrari reappeared on Sunday, when Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reported he had a four-year deal signed from 2011.

  Respected journalist Pino Allievi has now written that Alonso has a four year deal in place from 2011, with get-out clauses agreed for both sides.

• Honda F1 team in line for rescue package from Mexican billionaire – Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, the world's second richest man, has rescued the Honda Formula One team, Italian newspaper La Stampa has reported.

  "The saviour has arrived: Carlos Slim, 67 years old, the second richest man in the world," said the newspaper.

• Brundle latest to sign up for F2 – Alex Brundle, the 18-year-old son of former grand prix driver and BBC commentator Martin, has entered the Formula 2 Championship for 2009.

  Martin Brundle, who never raced in Formula 2 but jumped straight from F3 to F1 when he was climbing the motorsport ladder, added: "F2 cars will be fast, competitive, strong, equal, high profile and good value.

  "This ticks many boxes for parents and sponsors and the direct F1 link is important too."