Renault is on Alonso’s trail… Briatore makes an offer

The team leader Flavio Briatore has confirmed that Renault has made an offer to Fernando Alonso to return to the team with which he won the drivers’ title in 2005 and 2006.

« What will happen by Tuesday, » said the Italian in the columns of Gazzetta dello Sport.

I presented a future project for Fernando. If his desires align with ours, a contract can be signed.

Briatore also confirmed that Alonso and Renault were in disagreement over the duration of the Spaniard’s contract, as he is looking to sign for only one season, leaving him free for 2009.

« I know how much he can still give to Renault, but a one-year agreement wouldn’t make sense in light of our projected forecasts for the coming years, » added Briatore.

The Spanish driver finished his difficult season with McLaren on Friday, which resulted in creating an unusual situation in the driver market at the end of the year.

So far, Alonso is said to be leaving for Renault, Williams, Toyota, and Red Bull. And Dietrich Mateschitz, owner of Red Bull, does not envision anything concrete for 2008.

« Let’s see how things turn out, » he declared.

« [David] Coulthard and [Mark] Webber are 100% our drivers for 2008. But nothing is certain in F1, things are just very probable. »

Jarno Trulli, former teammate of Alonso at Renault, revealed that the latter has been in contact with Toyota, thus fueling rumors that Alonso asked Toyota to hire former Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn.

« I was immediately informed by phone about the separation between Alonso and McLaren, » said Trulli.

« I know that he talked to Toyota and asked for more technicians: that’s not my opinion… »