Alonso lets Ferrari rumours simmer

Fernando Alonso is leaving open the possibility that he might switch teams again at the end of 2008.

The Spaniard escaped from a three year McLaren contract after just one unhappy instalment in 2007, returning this season to the scene of his two drivers` world titles.

But his new two-year Renault contract includes a clause that will allow him to change again at the end of this season, and rumours are gaining pace that Alonso`s next destination could be Ferrari.

On the scene of Sunday`s Bahrain Grand Prix, Alonso on Thursday would not clearly commit to staying at Renault for 2009.

“I have signed a two year contract with Renault, but in Formula One we know that contracts are flexible,” he is quoted as saying by the German news agency SID.

It is understood that Alonso`s 2009 exit clause is linked with Renault`s on-track performance, and the French squad has already admitted that it has failed so far to provide Alonso with a winning car.

“I knew that it would be a difficult year for Renault,” he said. “However, I had hoped that we might be looking to get on the podium once or twice.”

In Australia and Malaysia, Alonso finished fourth and eighth respectively.

He believes that the sweeping 2009 rule changes, however, could provide Renault a faster track back to the front of the grid.

Source: GMM

3.4.2008   ▪ Formula One    ▪ Alonso, Ferrari, rumour    ▪ en.f1-live.com