Alonso Severs Ties With Mclaren

According to his agent, Fernando Alonso has agreed a deal to leave McLaren.
Two-time world formula one champion Fernando Alonso has left McLaren Mercedes. The Spaniard finished second during a controversial season, in which he fell out with his team-mate Lewis Hamilton, as well as his team chief Ron Dennis.

Alonso's agent, Luis Garcia Abad, revealed he had secured a deal with Dennis under which the driver would not have to pay any compensation for leaving the team. "Fernando is no longer with McLaren," Garcia Abad told Europa Press. "It is confirmed. He is free to sign with any team next season."

Alonso is currently on holiday and is said not to be in a hurry to decide who he will be racing for next season. He had finished the season a point shy of joining Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher as the only drivers in formula one history to achieve a hat-trick of world titles, but his relationship with McLaren's top management broke down to such an extent that his departure was widely predicted.

Alonso addressed Spanish fans in his home town of Oviedo at the weekend, telling them: "There are many options open and we are discussing all of them. I know what I would like to do next year but I don't know if it is possible. Whatever happens, it will be a difficult season."

There has been speculation that Alonso could move to Ferrari for the 2009 season, leaving him open to offers for a single-year deal for 2008.

© Guardian News & Media 2008
Published: 11/2/2007
 
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