Sep.11 (GMM) Formula one fans may be expecting an announcement about Ferrari's next driver lineup at Monza, but Fernando Alonso insists he is not part of those plans.
It has been rumoured that current world champion Kimi Raikkonen could retire at the end of the year, but Spaniard Alonso told reporters from his country this week that he expects the Finn to stay put."Ferrari tend to confirm their drivers at Monza. I don't think there is going to be a surprise," the 27-year-old, who currently races for Renault and has also been linked with BMW-Sauber and Honda about 2009, is quoted as saying by the Spanish broadcaster La Sexta.Referring to his own team, Alonso said the R28 is missing up to half a second per lap on its rivals simply due to an under-powered engine.He also disagrees with Renault boss Flavio Briatore's claim this week that he is expecting "at least two more podium finishes" from the final five grands prix of the season."It is going to be really difficult to be on the podium in the rest of the year, but I do not see it as a failure," Alonso said, when asked how disappointed he is that his teammate Nelson Piquet is the only Renault driver to have netted a top-three finish with the 2008 car."In comparison with my teammate, this has been my best season ever. I have always been in front of him. He got a podium after a great race and with lots of luck."
