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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. InTheNews.co
Alonso left McLaren yesterday after a controversial first season with the UK-based manufacturer and it has not taken long for the team where he won the 2005 and 2006 world championships to come calling.
The other main contenders for Alonso’s services are the Red Bull team.
Renault’s current drivers are Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen. The team finished third behind Ferrari and BMW in the constructors standings last season. BreakingNews
Renault is keen to recover quickly from a difficult season that saw it drop behind its competitors McLaren, Ferrari and BMW, and reuniting with Alonso is seen as clear opportunity to do just that.
The French car-maker’s president Carlos Ghosn also made it clear that Briatore’s plan had his backing.
“On the Alonso issue it is Briatore alone who decides,” said Ghosn.
Alonso however is believed to want a one-year contract, leaving him free to seek fresh opportunites in 2009, possibly with Ferrari. ITV-F1.com
