Alonso wants Renault stay

Eurosport - Wed, 17 Sep 08:55:00 2008

Fernando Alonso has insisted that remaining at Renault is his first choice as speculation builds over a move to BMW Sauber for 2009.

2008 Italian GP Renault Alonso - 0

Alonso was a double world champion with Renault before a year at McLaren and subsequent return to the French team for 2008.

"I am trying to find the best place that I can," Alonso told Cadena Ser. "I know all the people here and that things can go well. They are preparing the new car but I have not seen much of it.

"All the teams are very optimistic about next year. But Renault have given me two championship cars and so it is easier to believe what they tell me over the others."

The Spaniard, 27, had also been linked with a move to Ferrari until reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen signed a contract until 2010 with the Scuderia.

With regards to missing out on a move to the Italian team, Alonso said there was plenty of time to come.

"I am 27 and have many more laps to do," he added. "If I race in F1 for another eight or 10 years, perhaps one day I will again have the opportunity to go there."

Alonso added that he was not thinking too much about his future and focusing more on the remaining four races this season.

"For now I have to try to get back to winning as soon as possible, rather than think about 2010 or 2011," he said.

Alonso lies seventh in the drivers' championship with 28 points and has little chance of overhauling McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen (51) above him.

He could even drop down the order as a chasing pack lies only a few points back.

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport

Comment 1 - 18 of 18

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  1. Alonso is a great driver BUT has a BIG ego and lost out on his third consecutive World Championship win by only ONE point. Hind site is 20/ 20 and he should have stayed with McLaren and work things out with the team & Hamilton.

    Unfortunately, last seasoned was like watching two babies crying over the same toy and both ended up getting bit from behind byu Kimi. Serves them right.

    Now I'm Spanish and I like Alonso allot but he only has himself to blame for making such a errational move some times you have to bite the bullet and tough it out for your own good what does not kill you should only make you stronger.

    Renualt is going through some tough time may be even budget problemsand keepin mind that they have not had any engine development for a few years. So, how do you expect to produce a WINNING Car? It is a combination of CAR and Driver. If you only have one you will be out of luck again.

    From dediego00, on Wed 17 Sep 5:24PM
  2. Who need "four cars show"? The better way is to equalize all the cars on the grid for noone could moan about his car, also the fans. Next year is one step to that. But actually it will working much later when all the limitations will prove their adequate, may be 4 years...

    From darkbeer74, on Wed 17 Sep 2:10PM
  3. It wouldbe great to see alonso in a BMW next year. The BMW is capable of winning races occasionaly and with alonso it could do so regularly.

    I'm not an alonso fan but the things he does with that renault are amazing and left me impressed. Not easy finishing consistantly in the points with a car like that.

    Reminds me of his days with minardi in 2001 where he would qulaify 2.0 sec quicker that his team mate with 15-16 on the grid and take the minardi close to a top 10 finish.

    From Aaron D, on Wed 17 Sep 9:53AM
  4. Alonso threatened to spill the beans about the Ferarri data if McLaren didn't make him No 1. Ron called his bluff and (partially) 'fessed up' to the FIA, rather than be blackmailed. It doesn't matter how good Alonzo is, no one wants a driver who would sink the team for their selfish ends.
    The word is out on Alonzo, he is lucky to have a drive with Renault, hang on to it, I'm not sure others will take the risk.

    From haywood, on Wed 17 Sep 4:05AM
  5. MikeQ,
    Well said. It's sad to see such a talent with so much fire left in him not be able to get a decent seat. His comment about moving to BMW is, I think, just wishful thinking on his part. I don't know if media reports are accurate, but Hamilton seems to be going down the same road. As for Senna, great driver, not a great person.

    From sdcharger717, on Wed 17 Sep 12:07AM
  6. Alonso is a good driver, but has not presented himself as a team player, he thought he could do a Schumacher and demand a support driver, now Maclaren don't want him, Ferrari don't want him, he is now reduced to scrabbling about for a decent car. It reminds me of when Senna offered to drive for Williams for free If he could replace Damon Hill.
    A bit sad really

    From Mike, on Tue 16 Sep 11:14PM
  7. I would love to see Alonso kick Lewis' butt, regardless of what he drives!!

    From Forza Ferrari, on Tue 16 Sep 10:33PM
  8. I would love to see alonso start winning again, preferably in a Ferrari but I am impartial!

    From tifosi4eva, on Tue 16 Sep 9:48PM
  9. Alonso to BMW - Heidfeld to Renault

    From markrose260@..., on Tue 16 Sep 7:38PM
  10. Is this working?

    From markrose260@..., on Tue 16 Sep 7:35PM
  11. Wherever he winds up, there is one thing you can be certain of, it will be HIS choice and being the best driver on the grid, he will have many choices.

    From Tiger, on Tue 16 Sep 7:02PM
  12. i beleive that Alonso can improve any team he join, so soon he'll be able to improve Renult

    From adam R, on Tue 16 Sep 6:52PM
  13. Vettel showed that you can win without a fast car, where as Kimi showed that a fast car doesn't go fast by it's self... so maybe the 80% theorie is just a theorie...

    From Colin, on Tue 16 Sep 6:26PM
  14. Personally I can't stand Alonso , but he has talent , and an ego to match . I hope he will realise some day that he could still be on top if he was a team player . If he had stayed at McLaren he could have someday been called triple world champion .

    From barry w w, on Tue 16 Sep 6:26PM
  15. Alonso sucks!

    From lamont m, on Tue 16 Sep 6:01PM
  16. I hope Alonso does find a ride at BMW or even better Ferrari. I'm so tired of hearing about how the only reason he isn't champion is due to a poor car, and the only reason Lewis is doing so well is because he is in a great car. There's no doubt in my mind he's a fantastic, well rounded F1 driver. I'd just like to see the real challenge come to reality. It couldn't really be decided at McLaren since both finished for, nearly all intents and purposes, even. Lewis had more podiums, but Fernando finished more races in the points, and points were a dead heat. The only other factors that stand out is that Fernando was a proven champion and Lewis was a rookie. For me that gives the edge to Lewis, but thats just me. Do us all a favor Ferrari and sign the man in 2010. 20 years later the spirited and furious battle between Prost and Senna is relived through Alonso and Hamilton. Anybody?

    From vinnydawg67, on Tue 16 Sep 5:14PM
  17. I hope Alonso does find a ride at BMW or even better Ferrari.

    From vinnydawg67, on Tue 16 Sep 5:10PM
  18. CARS WIN RACES ~~ NOT YOUNG BOY DELIVERY DRIVERS
    FASTEST CAR === 80 % AT LEAST

    From olga.wins, on Tue 16 Sep 4:56PM
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