Alonso To Ferrari?

Fernando Alonso - Renault

Fernando Alonso has long been linked to join Ferrari in either 2009 or 2010.

At Hockenheim, this weekend, Alonso sidestepped rumours he will accompany McLaren sponsor Santander to Ferrari in 2010.

Alonso added:

“All I know is what I have read in the past days,” the current Renault driver is quoted as saying by the news agency EFE.

“I don’t know if it is true or not, I have not heard anything. Even if (Santander) do go (to Ferrari), it doesn’t mean I have to go as well.

“I haven’t spoken to anybody from Santander or Ferrari; that’s all I have to say,”

The Renault driver also refused to rule out the possibility of remaining at Renault for the 2009 season.

“Let’s see what will happen between now and the end of the year,” he said. “Next year’s championship begins in March, so I am not in a hurry to decide.

“In July, you can have discussions with people, but nothing very serious until September or October.

When asked by a Spanish journalist whether he prefers French (Renault) or Italian (Ferrari) food, Alonso answered:

“Spanish. But if you are referring to something else, then I prefer Italian.”

Neal’s view: The chances are that Alonso will be driving for the Italians at some point in the next two years. However, he will suffer the fate of a strong teammate, like he did at McLaren. Massa’s spins at Silverstone and moving out of Hamilton’s way in the closing stages at Hockenheim may result in him losing his seat at the end of the year, even though his contract runs through 2010.