Frustrated Alonso Eyes Return to Renault

Fernando Alonso has been discussing the possibility of returning to Renault next season after just one season at McLaren.

A source close to the Renault team told SPEEDtv.com. “It’s not a rumor, they [the Alonso camp] are desperate to come back.”

The same source added that ironically as of last weekend the Hungaroring qualifying fiasco had given Alonso a fresh reason to stay at McLaren because Lewis Hamilton was now seriously out of favor at Woking.

Renault has yet to confirm either of its drivers for next year, although its assumed that Heikki Kovalainen has done more than enough to retain his place. Flavio Briatore said in Hungary that a decision on Giancarlo Fisichella will be due around the time of Monza, but the Italian is believed to have a very slim chance of retaining his seat for another season.

On Sunday, Ron Dennis made it very clear that he was well aware of the possibility that one of his drivers might be tempted away: “There is an inevitability that these things are rumored and discussed in other teams. We have two drivers contracted for several years into the future. We will respect our part of that situation. We hope that the drivers respect theirs, because that is what a contract is about. That is our position.”

Intriguingly, when discussing the challenge of juggling two top drivers he added that “anybody” would have the choice to leave if they felt they didn’t fit in at McLaren.

“It is extremely challenging for me, emotional and stressful. I know I’m not alone in having to carry that burden, but nevertheless we will continue to function as a Grand Prix team with specific values. And if anybody does not want to be part of those values, irrespective of where they fit in the organization, then ultimately they will have choice. But we will not deviate from our values.”