Maserati GranCabrio news - Maser GranCabrio: now with added Alonso! - 2010

Well, at least Fernando Alonso has better taste in company cars than he does in sweaters.

Ferrari F1's pilot has just picked up the keys to his box-fresh fleet vehicle and, instead of the 458 Italia we'd have predicted, he's opted instead for a Maserati GranCabrio.

Now, we know we've been guilty of mocking the lantern-jawed Spaniard over the last couple of years at TopGear.com, but here we must hold our hands up: though it ain't quite a Ferrari (wonder if a nice Fiat Qubo 1.4 Active was on his shortlist?) that's a mighty fine choice of car.

Especially in Alonso's discerning spec of - and here we must quote from Maserati's adulatory press release - Grigio Granito paint with a Pearl Beige and Bordeaux leather interior and a Bordeaux soft-top. A truly stunning combo when teamed with the Reddish Red and Definitely White of Nando's weekend wear.

Maserati also helpfully mentions that the GranCabrio goes on sale in the UK next month, with prices starting at £95,510. Grumpy race driver not included. 

Sam Philip