Alonso reacts to Räikkönen’s new contract

Fernando Alonso stated that the announcement of Kimi Räikkönen’s contract renewal with Ferrari until the end of the 2010 season will not influence his choice of team for next year in any way.

The double world champion is free to leave Renault at the end of this season and has been linked in recent weeks to a seat at Ferrari, either in 2009 or in 2010.

However, the Spaniard asserts that his priority is still winning the title next year.

« I already knew that the Scuderia was going to extend its contract. Nothing has changed. Talking about 2010 and 2011 is way too far for me. I want to win before that! » He confessed.

« My plans were more focused on 2009 and at that precise time, there was no opportunity at Ferrari. So, the Scuderia was never part of my plans. »

Alonso also recalled that he had not set a specific date for his final decision.

BMW-Sauber and Honda have spoken with him, but the Spaniard has stated that his first choice remains Renault as long as the team can convince him of its future competitiveness.

« The priority for me is to stay at Renault because when I arrived here last year, I came because I wanted to taste the success of the 2005 and 2006 seasons again. »

« I believe in the team but this year has not been as good as expected. »