Sponsor insures Alonso’s thumbs for 10m euros

During an event for Spanish team sponsor Santander on Monday, it was announced that Fernando Alonso’s thumbs have been insured.

The bank said the Ferrari driver’s life as well as his thumbs - presumably to safeguard his ability to confidently greet his fans at grands prix with positivity - have been insured to the tune of 10 million euros.

"Alonso’s thumbs are a big symbol as, apart from being essential when driving a Formula 1 car, they represent a sign of victory and that everything is under control and well protected," said Santander in a press release.

More pertinently, he said he is happy with his start to the 2010 season, as he trails championship leader Jenson Button by 11 points.

"I wasn’t happy with things on Sunday night in Shanghai, but now, with a cool head, I can be really satisfied," said Alonso, 28, at the event near Madrid.

"We didn’t always gain what we could have according to our potential, but we’re fighting for the title and this is what counts more than anything else," added the Spaniard, who said that in 2008 and 2009 with Renault he "knew" he would not win those titles.