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Alonso’s Only Alternative? Renault
CAREER CHOICE: Fernando Alonso won two world titles with Renault before leaving for McLaren. (Steve Etherington Photo)
Ferrari Locks Up Massa, Leaving No Vacancy For Fernando
NSSN Correspondent
INTERLAGOS, Brazil — A red door slammed shut in front of Fernando Alonso when Ferrari announced Oct. 16 that it has extended Felipe Massa’s contract through 2010.
The Brazilian already had a deal for 2008. With Kimi Raikkonen signed through 2009, this means that the door at the Prancing Horse team has been firmly closed in Alonso’s face. Massa, naturally, is delighted.
“I think it’s good for stability,” he said. “I’ve been with Ferrari for two years, and then I was already stable because my contract was actually already until the end of next year.
“I think (it shows) the confidence the team has in me as well, so I’m very pleased about that. It’s very nice to carry on doing the job with the team and especially as it’s a team that has trusted me since the beginning of my (F-1) career.”
Rumors continue of political infighting bubbling just below the surface at Ferrari. If there is any truth to them, then this is a triumph for those in the Massa camp.
Meanwhile, a red and white door is about to be closed to Alonso, as a Toyota team member told NSSN it’s unlikely that Alonso will be driving for the Japanese team next year. But he never really was interested in going there anyway.
That leaves Renault as the only viable option for Alonso, who has such a sour relationship with Ron Dennis that it’s inconceivable that he will be back with McLaren in 2008.
Prior to the Brazilian Grand Prix, Flavio Briatore was asked about Alonso’s return to Renault.
“There has been a lot of talk,” Briatore said, “but Fernando has a contract with another team for 2008. At the moment, he is focused on the championship battle, trying to win a third consecutive title. I have said before that if he was free we would be happy to have him back at Renault.”
Renault may be Alonso’s only workable alternative, but much of the 2008 driver market still hinges on what he does. There’s also the problem of who is going to pay what for his move, because Alonso is still contracted to McLaren for two more seasons.