Alonso to McLaren in 2007

Ed · Post by Ed » Mon Dec 19, 2005 9:17 pm

The 2005 World Champion Fernando Alonso will drive for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes from 2007!

Ron Dennis said:

Its great that our strong belief in the strength and competitiveness of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes package has been further endorsed by the World Champion
We always make it clear that we want to be the best and the only way of achieving this objective is by attracting the best people, the best drivers and the best sponsors. To be able to announce Vodafone as only McLaren's third title partner in more than 30 years and Fernando's employment within only a few days is fantastic news for the team, our Partners, Formula One and the fans.

This announcement obviously means at least one of their current drivers (Kimi Raikkonen or Juan Pablo Montoya) will have to leave the team.

Ron Dennis added:

We are in discussions with our current drivers' Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya regarding the 2007 season.
Both Juan Pablo and Kimi are extremely talented, professional and competitive Formula One drivers and they have and will continue to concentrate on our joint challenge for the Championships.

Fernando Alonso was delighted with the announcement describing it "too good to miss" and said:

To become part of a team with such a desire to succeed and passion for performance is a dream come true for any Formula One driver.
I'm very excited about 2007 and the fantastic opportunity to drive for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. It will be a new beginning for me and a tremendous challenge and from what I have heard about this exciting new Partnership there is something to look forward to. Obviously I will be sad to leave Renault but sometimes possibilities come along which are just too good to miss. I'm pleased that we are able to make this announcement already now as it will allow my current team and I to focus 100 per cent on defending the World Championships next year.

Full McLaren statement

grandprixdiary · Post by **grandprixdiary** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 9:52 pm

Good news for Fisi I would have thought. He was likely to make way for Kovaleinen in '07, I doubt Renault would want two new drivers in one go ?

Rob

Ed · Post by Ed » Mon Dec 19, 2005 10:18 pm

Renault F1 Team President Patrick Faure said of the announcement:

The Renault F1 Team and Fernando Alonso have enjoyed historic successes together since he joined the team in 2002. I was disappointed to learn of Fernando's decision but, by the end of 2006, he will have spent five seasons with Renault. Fresh challenges are essential for any sportsman, and he has taken the decision to pursue a new direction in his career. That is part of Formula 1, and part of life.

Full Statement

mlittle · Post by **mlittle** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 2:54 am

By the sounds of it, at least by announcing his intentions so far out, Alonso won't have to worry about his future plans. Of course, the question seems to be.......where will either Raikkonen or Montoya go after 2006?

<T-K> · Post by **<T-K>** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 7:51 am

mlittle wrote:By the sounds of it, at least by announcing his intentions so far out, Alonso won't have to worry about his future plans. Of course, the question seems to be.......where will either Raikkonen or Montoya go after 2006?

Well if Kimi does end up going to Ferrari, then we may se a fernando/Pablo partnership at Mclaren.....who knows....

rah · Post by **rah** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 9:54 am

Not a bad decision, who know what will happen. I think it is good that drivers move around a bit to keep themselves fresh with new challenges.

I am eagerly awaiting JayVees response though.

JayVee · Post by **JayVee** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 9:59 am

Way to go Alonso The Cute

Look what Ron Dennis is saying:

We always make it clear that we want to be the best and the only way of achieving this objective is by attracting the best people, the best drivers and the best sponsors

I wonder who will jump now, Raikkonen or Montoya or both

Alonso is fearless, he jumps into a challenge unlike some other drivers who make conditions on who their team-mates are!!!

To me that is what defines a true champion

And thanks Ron for continuing to give us real driver pairs not a driver and a helper

Flavio must have made a fortune out of this!! Alonso too off course

JayVee · Post by **JayVee** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 10:05 am

rah wrote:I am eagerly awaiting JayVees response though.

Was typing it

rah · Post by **rah** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 10:26 am

JayVee wrote:
rah wrote:I am eagerly awaiting JayVees response though.
Was typing it

Lol, so I see. Me thinks that it will be Alonso and Monty in 07.

And what of the rumours of Renault chucking in the towel at the end of 07. Very disturbing indeed.

JayVee · Post by **JayVee** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 10:53 am

The question of how long Renault will remain is always raised.

If they keep winning, why would they leave and if the costs can really be cut then I doubt they will leave.

Unless of course they have "issues" with the FIA

rah · Post by **rah** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 11:18 am

Unless it is too costly to stay in for too long. A few companies have withdrawn from WRC lately. And those were top teams.

Some companies have a habit of getting into motor racing and making an impact, only to quite later on and get back in 3-4 years down the track. Just a marketing strategy.

<T-K> · Post by **<T-K>** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 12:22 am

JayVee wrote:The question of how long Renault will remain is always raised.

If they keep winning, why would they leave and if the costs can really be cut then I doubt they will leave.

Unless of course they have "issues" with the FIA

Exactly......Alonso may have inside info on how long Renault will be staying in F1 for, and he is trying to make sure he has a long term future in F1....

Kapel · Post by **Kapel** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 2:22 pm

Well done Alonso.Smart bugger he is.He knew Renault wont be able to hold the champions crown for long against the might of Mclarens,Ferraris,probably Honda's & Toyota's(with the amount of money going in these teams) & Williams(If this may please some ppl

)

Wishing him all the luck for 2006

JayVee · Post by **JayVee** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 2:35 pm

Alonso The Cute has now guaranteed himself 3 World Titles

'05, '06 and '07

In '08 is too far to predict

JayVee · Post by **JayVee** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 2:40 pm

<T-K> wrote:he is trying to make sure he has a long term future in F1....

Alonso The Cute doesn't need to be tied to a team to secure his long term future in F1