Haug dismisses reports on Alonso leaving McLaren

Norbert Haug, the Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, dismissed the reports that appeared in the media yesterday about Fernando Alonso being permitted leave the team by the end of the season.

According to Haug, Fernando Alonso does not want to leave the team and there has been no talks about the possibility of the departure of the double World Champion at the end of the season: "This question did not even arise. We have a valid contract."

To the German newspaper Stuttgarter Nachrichten, Haug declared: "We have now begun the summer break so for the next three weeks it is necessary for the media to write something. I know this very well and for that reason I am calm."

Haug admitted that Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Ron Dennis will sit down for a crucial talk prior to the Turkish Grand Prix.