Double F1 champion Fernando Alonso appears to have written off any chance of joining Ferrari in the near future by signing a fresh two-year deal with his current team, Renault.
The Spaniard has been rumoured to be planning a switch to Ferrari in 2010, and he was courted by Honda for the 2009 season, but Renault’s strong run of form at the end of this season (from which Alonso netted two race wins) is said to have persuaded him that the French manufacturer is a safe bet.
"I have decided to stay with the ING Renault F1 team because, as I have often repeated this season, they have always been my first choice and I feel very happy and comfortable with them," Alonso said. "It's a very close-knit team with a competitive and winning mentality, and also a relaxed and warm attitude, which suits me perfectly."
Renault has also given Alonso’s team-mate, Nelson Piquet, another chance after a disappointing debut season for the young Brazilian; he has been given a 12-month extension on his contract.
