Alonso could take year out - Coulthard

David Coulthard, talking to the press during the presentation of the 'Race of Champions' at Wembley, said that he believes that Fernando Alonso might take a one-year sabbatical next season and return as a contender for the title in 2009.

Coulthard said: "I don't think it would really be a problem for him to take a year out. Alain Prost was the last driver to do that. He took a year out of F1 and came back and won the world championship. If you can get yourself into one of the best two cars, then of course you've got a great chance of winning the championship."

Double World Champion Fernando Alonso still hasn't found a team for the 2008 season. The problem is that the Spaniard is searching a one-year deal and no team is interested in this. All the teams that Alonso's entourage has been negotiating with, demand a minimum contract of two years.

It is believed that Alonso will announce his future next week, after the espionage hearing of Renault that will take place on 6 December.