Alonso Back to Renault?

[Vezna31]

Alonso close to agreeing Renault return
Wed 07 Nov, 08:50 AM

Fernando Alonso and Renault are close to reuniting ahead of the 2008 Formula One season.

Although the Spaniard, who was recently released from his McLaren contract, did not meet Flavio Briatore's Tuesday deadline, reports indicate that the pair have nonetheless nearly agreed a deal for next year.

The Spanish daily sports newspaper Marca claims that 26-year-old Alonso's final decision is still 'a few days' away, as negotiations continue smoothly.

Alonso had earlier baulked at Briatore's insistence on a two or three-year agreement, but it is understood that the double world champion will instead be free to leave Renault after a single season if the team fails to meet certain minimal performance and results criteria.

Therefore, in the event that Renault endures another uncompetitive season in 2008, Alonso can still defect to Ferrari or BMW Sauber in 2009.

Britain's The Guardian, meanwhile, reports on Wednesday that if Alonso signs for Renault he will be partnered by Nelson Piquet Jr, with Heikki Kovalainen 'the most likely candidate' to fill Alonso's seat at McLaren.

The newspaper said 34-year-old Italian veteran 'Giancarlo Fisichella has been told there is no place for him next year.'

[monkeymaker]

Alonzo better have a helluva year next season or his diva attitude might end up landing him on a shit team when his contract is up!

By the way... Piquet Jr making you feel old?   

[Vezna31]

Alonzo better have a helluva year next season or his diva attitude might end up landing him on a shit team when his contract is up!

By the way... Piquet Jr making you feel old?   

Dude, all F1 drivers make me feel old.  More than Piquet Jr, it is the retiring of Schumacher who is only 2 years older than me.

[monkeymaker]

Oooh, ouch that's right!  Can't believe that I'm rooting for a 3rd generation Andretti now.   

[Vezna31]

The latest on this is the deal is on the rocks because Renault wants a 3-year contract and Alonzo wants 1 year.  Looks like he is trying to get to Ferrari for his next drive.  That would kill me being a Ferrari fan.

[indiandi]

Maybe Scott Boras is his agent.

[Vezna31]

Reports now have Alonso going to Honda which will make Barrichello move to Super Aguri.  Talk about a demotion for Rubens.  That sucks.  He left Ferrari thinking he could win a championship and it pretty much has destroyed his career and assured him that he will never win anything, maybe not even a race again.

Alonso has Honda seat fitting
Thu 29 Nov, 04:19 PM

Fernando Alonso spent an entire day at Honda's Brackley factory this week and even had a seat fitting, reports from Germany on Thursday said.

Sport Bild claims that the double world champion, who is still yet to commit to a team for 2008 after splitting with McLaren, is 'nearing an agreement' with the Japanese outfit that recently tabbed Ross Brawn as its new team boss.

It is reported that the first approach to Alonso about possibly joining Honda was made by F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, after the previously Nick Fry-led team embarrassingly netted just six points with its RA107 package this year.

The publication said Alonso would take the place of Rubens Barrichello; the Brazilian veteran who would move to Honda's satellite team Super Aguri in 2008 as Takuma Sato's new team-mate.

Alonso's manager, Luis Garcia Abad, on Thursday was not contactable.

[indiandi]

I always liked Fraiser.....oops, I mean Rubens.