Dec.11 (GMM) Fernando Alonso has moved to play down speculation that Renault could be the next manufacturer to pull out of formula one.
Honda has reduced the 2009 grid to just 18 cars by deciding to withdraw, but the French carmaker Renault has been similarly affected by the global economic crisis' impact on car sales.As he returned to work at the Jerez test circuit on Wednesday, however, former double world champion Alonso doubted that Renault's participation in F1 is in doubt."I don't think so," he is quoted as saying by the Spanish newspaper AS."Renault has always had a sensible approach to F1. It is not a team that squanders money. I believe we are in a good position to fight for the next championship," said Alonso.The Spaniard said he was "surprised" by Honda's decision to pull out, especially in the middle of the FIA and fellow teams' efforts to drastically reduce costs."It is a shame and a big surprise for me and most of the people in the paddock, because Honda has been around for a long time and was one of the biggest teams."I can imagine it was not an easy decision for them to take and I hope that no-one else does the same," he added.
