Alonso Unwilling to Commit to Renault

Fernando Alonso has cast doubt over his future with Renault by announcing he is yet to decide whether he will remain with the team next season. The Spaniard, who has been frustrated with the team's lack of success so far this year, has suggested that his staying will be dependent upon significant improvements being made.

"I don't know (if I will stay with Renault)," he announced at a news conference. "It's not been a good year so far and it has been worse than we expected. We have not been on the podium, let alone won a race. We have a lot of work to do. I will take a decision on my future towards the end of the year when we'll be able to see how far we have come."

The former world champion left McLaren at the end of last season after a fierce rivalry with team-mate Lewis Hamilton and a falling-out with the management. He rejoined Renault, with whom he became World Champion in 2005 and 2006, but has so far been unable to replicate the form that made the partnership so successful.

Accordingly, Alonso has struggled this season and is languishing in ninth place, 33 points behind Robert Kubica, the championship leader. He failed even to finish in the points in the last two grands prix at Monaco and Canada.

Despite his recent travails, however, Alonso was optimistic ahead of next weekend's French grand prix. "In France we have a lot of support and for me it's like racing in Barcelona," he said. "During the week the team have worked hard and have made improvements with the car in testing. We have taken another step forward. I feel full of confidence at the moment and we are on the right track."