06/07/2008
NEWS STORY
Two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso has said that he will not be making any decision regarding his plans for 2009 and beyond until after the Italian Grand Prix in September.
Following the Spaniard's move to the French outfit after a difficult season with McLaren, there was widespread speculation with regards the deal he had done with the outfit with which he won his two titles. Several teams were keen to acquire his services, but Alonso is known to have been unhappy with the terms of the contracts. Red Bull offered a berth, but was insisting on a three-year deal, while the Spaniard is believed to have ultimately signed a deal with his former employers because they offered an opt-out clause - essentially, should they fail to finish in the first three in the 2008 Constructors' Championship he was free to go.
Speaking to reporters at Silverstone, while refusing to give details of his contract with Renault, Alonso admitted that he will make a decision later in the season.
"I think I will make the decision after the summer when all this period of races, then the break and then Belgium and Monza are over," he said. "They are very important races for us to try to get this fourth position in the constructors' championship. And after that will be time to think about what the possibilities are for next year."
A number of teams have been linked with the Spaniard, including Red Bull, which has shown a clear upturn in form this season and is currently twelve points ahead of Renault in the Constructors' Championship.
Following comments made by Ross Brawn, there is also speculation that Honda might break open the piggy bank and make a bid for Alonso's services, even though the Japanese team is struggling to keep Toro Rosso at bay.