Alonso decision expected after Italy

Saturday 5th July 2008

Fernando Alonso has said that he will make a decision regarding his long-term F1 future after September's Italian Grand Prix.

"I think (I will make the decision) after the summer when all this period of races, then the break and then Belgium and Monza are over," the Spaniard said at the British Grand Prix on Friday.

"They are very important races for us to try to get this fourth position in the Constructors' Championship.

"And after that will be time to think about what the possibilities are for next year."

Alonso's team, Renault, have so far endured a poor season and currently lie seventh in the Constructors' Championship.

Their lack of form has led to constant speculation that the Spaniard, who won back-to-back World Championships with the team in 2005 and 2006, may leave sooner rather than later.

The 26-year-old returned to Renault after his well-documented fallout with McLaren, for whom he raced a solitary season last year.

Honda have openly expressed an interest should Alonso decide to leave the French team while Renault-powered Red Bull, currently outperforming their engine providers, are also watching with interest.

Champions Ferrari would undoubtedly be Alonso's first choice, followed by BMW Sauber, although the Italian team have World Champion Kimi Raikkonen and Championship leading Brazilian Felipe Massa under contract for 2009.

Autosport.com reported that Alonso was believed to be free to move if Renault failed to finish third or higher in the Championship

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