Championship leader Alonso close to new deal with Renault
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Renault hope to secure the services of the current Formula One championship leader, Fernando Alonso, for years to come, according to his team principal, Flavio Briatore.
Renault hope to secure the services of the current Formula One championship leader, Fernando Alonso, for years to come, according to his team principal, Flavio Briatore.
"The negotiations with Renault for a contract extension have started," the Italian was quoted as saying in a German motorsport magazine. "If all sides are in agreement, it would be great to announce the new contract at the Monaco Grand Prix [in May]."
Renault won last year's Monaco Grand Prix, the glamour highlight of the calendar, with the Italian Jarno Trulli. Alonso has been contracted to Renault since 2001 and has won the last two grands prix.
The 23-year-old Spaniard has a 10-point lead in the championship over Trulli, now at Toyota. Ferrari's seven-times world champion, Michael Schumacher, has just two points after three races.
Briatore said other teams were also pursuing Alonso but that his driver would never join Ferrari while the German was there. Schumacher has a contract until the end of 2006 but has hinted that he could keep going well beyond that.
"As long as Michael is there, Alonso will never drive for Ferrari," Briatore said. "For Renault there is an easy way to secure the services of Alonso - one only has to provide him with the most competitive car."
Briatore said Alonso had the mental strength to become world champion.
"I can't see any weaknesses with him," he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments