Adios, Alonso

[wrk]

Sep.18 (GMM) The wheels are now in motion for the early conclusion of Fernando Alonso's McLaren contract, according to reports.

The German daily 'Bild' on Tuesday said the team's lawyers are now working on ending the deal, after Spaniard Alonso's relationship with McLaren reached a new low following the espionage affair and claims of lying and extortion in Belgium.

"Adios, Alonso!" Bild exclaimed.

The news brings a fresh perspective to team boss Ron Dennis' admission at Spa-Francorchamps that he is seeking "closure" after one of the most difficult seasons in his 40 year career in racing.

"Part of our closure will be to take all the controversy out of the team," the Briton said, adding that any variation to any driver contract for next year would be "by mutual agreement".

It is believed that Alonso will return to Renault, where under the guidance of his mentor Flavio Briatore he secured back to back titles in 2005 and 2006.

The 26-year-old's McLaren contract was to run to the end of 2008 and also included an option for a third year.

[checkered]

Hmm, sounds like the

sort of liberal journalistic license typically taken with Formula 1 ... chances are no-one will question false reports afterwards, since there's so much speculation. Alonso's lawyers are exploring options ... really? They wouldn't represent him very well if they didn't constantly review their client's situation, especially now. Bild definitely veers more towards the yellow press, typically dramatising the headlines especially. And I will not forgive them for their Flavio in thongs pictorial ...

Anyway, everything remains so-so until we've definitely put all the spying stuff behind. McLaren are definitely not going to announce anything before they've decided on their appeal. If Alonso were to return to Renault, equally unconfirmed reports have stated that he'll race with Piquet Jr. (another rookie!?) while Kovy would be leased to Toyota. Everything does seem equally unlikely at this point, doesn't it?

But if you want to read the original Bild article, here's the link.

[whiplash]

Alonso should get out of McLaren but his options are limited to which teams will be willing to pay his fee Renault maybe Red Bull racing or Williams with the cost being picked up by Toyota.

[modbaraban]

Quite a popular topic

[mep]

Don't belive the thinks Bild is writting.

[Scuderia_Russ]

A rat jumping from a sinking ship.

[modbaraban]

A rat jumping from a sinking ship.

No it's not the case. The ship isn't sinking at all. The ship turned dirty but still rocks big time and is expected to do next season

The reason is that Bolivar cannot carry double

[Scuderia_Russ]

Thinking about it maybe that was a bit harsh.

[West]

Change ship to yacht.

As for Bild... they said that MS is driving the cars via remote control via stolen technology from McLaren.

[kurtiejjj]

BILD zeitung should at any time be taken with a pinch of salt, they are the absolute cream of the crop. Or as the germans would say: "Tatsächlich ist die Bild Zeitung nicht wirklich ernst zu nehmen, allein Emphelungswert wenn man gerne nackte Mädel anguckt."

[modbaraban]

As for Bild... they said that MS is driving the cars via remote control via stolen technology from McLaren.

Like all the 22 cars simultaneously?

[tomislavp4]

Maybe he tells the remote: car 5 to miss braking zone and hit the wall on lap 24, car 8 to have gearbox issue on lap 12, car..... get my point?

[modbaraban]

Maybe he tells the remote: car 5 to miss braking zone and hit the wall on lap 24, car 8 to have gearbox issue on lap 12, car..... get my point?

I imagine the message during the Belgian GP race:
Shameless performance of the car 20 is under investigation by Schumacher.

sorry for taking this way OT

[checkered]

BILD zeitung should at any time be taken with a pinch of salt, they are the absolute cream of the crop. Or as the germans would say: "Tatsächlich ist die Bild Zeitung nicht wirklich ernst zu nehmen, allein Emphelungswert wenn man gerne nackte Mädel anguckt."

In Deutschland findet man beispielsweise in der Bild-Zeitung täglich das Bild einer halbnackten Frau, mittlerweile jedoch auf der Titelseite. Üblicherweise wird das Bild durch einen zumindest theoretisch humorvollen und zweideutigen Spruch unterstützt.

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Page-3-Girl
"Die Lust zum Lesen?"

Well, back on

topic ... I reviewed some websites that I've found relatively trustworthy and there's really nothing on this story anywhere. A superficial look on the websites of Marca, As, El Pais and Cadena SER (usually pretty knowledgeable of what Fernando is up to and certainly carry the absolute majority of his interviews) yielded just as much - not a thing. And before the F1's take on "Austin Powers" really blew on everyone's face As pushed pretty forcefully the viewpoint that Alonso wanted to leave McLaren.

I believe Flavio has said that he will announce Renault's drivers before Japan. Then again he's promised to do that at least twice before already.

[icef1mkd]

Well, I would argue that Renault should not take Alonso back. Last year in the heat of the battle against Ferrari, Alonso slammed the team that made him a man (not to mention a champion) saying that their only goal is the Constructors' Championship, which is not that worthy. He was pretty selfish and unfair, requiering even more focus on his campain. He also negotiated with McLaren, allegedly, behind Flavio's and his team's back. Just wonderful.

Now, similar situation with him in McLaren - WCC is worthless; I demand special treatment; I can blackmale my team, I'm courting to Max....

In short, the guy is not a team player. Also, he'll demand No.1 status and that would be unfair to Heikki.

I think the rumours linking him with Red Bull have pretty much logic in them.