Renault make Alonso offer
Alonso's time as Hamilton's team-mate is at an end
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Saturday, 03, Nov 2007 06:11
Renault appear to have edged ahead in the battle to secure Fernando Alonso's services for next year's formula one championship.
The Spaniard won two world titles with the team in 2005 and 2006 and owner Flavio Briatore is keen on persuading the 26-year-old to return after his recent departure from McLaren.
A turbulent debut season at the Woking-based team, which featured barely-concealed rows with team bosses and team-mate Lewis Hamilton, ended with Alonso's contract for the following two seasons being annulled.
"I have presented a project for the future to Fernando. If his desires coincide with ours, it can happen," Briatore told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I know how much he can still give Renault. But an agreement for one year would make no sense with an outlook projected for a period of time."
Alonso's reported determination to secure a one-year deal has increased suspicions in the F1 paddock that, despite recent contract extensions for current Ferrari drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa, he could be angling for a move to Renault's rivals in 2009.
Another of the few teams who could afford to take on Alonso appeared to pull out of the running for his signature as Red Bull confirmed their driver line-up for next year would remain unchanged.
"It's pretty much unprecedented to have a double world champion on the market in November, but we currently have Mark Webber and David Coulthard under contract for 2008," a team source said.