Spain’s double world champion Fernando Alonso ended speculation over his driving plans for the 2008 Formula One season on Monday by announcing his return to Renault.
Alonso won his two titles in 2005 and 2006 with the French team before moving to McLaren, with whom he finished third in this year’s title race behind Kimi Raikkonen and teammate Lewis Hamilton.
Alonso (26) ended his contract early with McLaren after a turbulent time with the ”spygate scandal” and a fractious relationship with Hamilton.
And having raced alongside one rookie in Hamilton in 2007 Alonso finds himself with another Formula One newcomer as a partner next year with Renault unveiling Nelsinho Piquet as their second driver.
The 21-year-old Brazilian rookie, a test driver for Renault in the season just ended, has an impeccable Formula One pedigree, being the son of three time world champion Nelson Piquet.
Confirming the duo’s arrival a Renault spokesperson announced: ”Fernando Alonso and Nelsinho Piquet will be Renault’s two drivers for the 2008 season.” — AFP
