Fernando Alonso has no intention of returning to McLaren and is determined to extend what he claims is a love affair with Ferrari.
Six years after Alonso departed McLaren in acrimonious circumstances, their team principal Martin Whitmarsh openly revealed yesterday his desire to have the Spaniard back at Woking, having noted speculation and the observations of others suggesting Alonso's partnership with Kimi Raikkonen from next season is potentially going to be explosive.
Alonso, who has three years remaining on his current Ferrari contract, has, however, apparently killed any thoughts of a potential switch to McLaren stone dead, at least for this season. Asked whether a move to McLaren was attractive, Alonso replied: "Not really. I love Ferrari and I want to stay until the end. It's nice to hear comments from all the teams and team principals every year saying they respect my job, my professionalism, and especially from McLaren.
"There were so many rumours we had a lot of problems that year [in 2007]. I have always said I had no problems with anyone. It was just the philosophy of the team, and one man in the team no longer there [former team principal Ron Dennis]. It's good to have this compliment, but there is no intention. Three more years in Ferrari and I hope many more to come. If we can extend the contract, that will be my focus."
Despite Alonso's remarks, it is known he has grown frustrated at the team's failure to assist him to win his third world title. There are also speculative rumblings that Ferrari are struggling to adapt to the new powertrain regulations that come into force next season, and that is also making Alonso nervous.
Throw in the rare high-profile public condemnation Alonso faced from the president Luca Di Montezemolo earlier this season after he dared to criticise the car, and it is no wonder the speculation is rife.
Ferrari's decision to hire Raikkonen and get rid of Felipe Massa, who has long played a subservient role at Maranello, has added fuel to the fire. Having become accustomed to No.1 status and having Massa strategically aid his cause in grands prix, Alonso knows he would receive no assistance from Raikkonen who prefers to plough his own furrow.
Yet the 32-year-old maintains he is happy to have Raikkonen as a team-mate, adding: "I pushed a lot for that decision and finally they took him. It's good. I've had four fantastic years with Felipe, and when the team decided to change, Kimi - in my opinion and the team's opinion - was the best option. What we need to do now is try to possess the team championship, and next year we will see."
Whitmarsh earlier made it clear Alonso was an option to replace Sergio Perez at McLaren. "Are we interested in Fernando? Yes. Any team would be," said Whitmarsh.
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