Interesting stat, Alonso has missed out on being a 5x WDC by 8 points (counting 2008, 2010, and 2012).
The fact that Alonso got that dog of a Ferrari within three points of the championship is amazing. As far as pure driving talent, I would argue he's the best on the grid at the moment. If it weren't for him getting taken out in Spa and Japan he'd be champion right now, but what's done is done. Here's to 2013