Unhappy Alonso hints at 2009 Ferrari switch

LONDON, England -- Former world champion Fernando Alonso has hinted that his return to Renault will prove to be short-lived, following a disappointing start to the 2008 season.

The Spaniard left McLaren at the end of last year, having fallen out with rookie team-mate Lewis Hamilton during his first season with the British-based outfit.

He had been linked with a move to Ferrari, but the Italian team retained world champion Kimi Raikkonen and Brazilian driver Felipe Massa.

However, Massa's future is under threat after failing to finish either of the two races so far this season, although he is under contract until the end of 2010.

Alonso, who won the drivers' championship twice at Renault before joining McLaren, confirmed on Tuesday that he has an option to move on if he is unhappy with his situation at the French team.

"I'm at Renault because I wanted to get back to winning, like in 2005 and 2006, if not this year then next year," he told Spanish newspaper As.

"I have an option to leave so I can be in the best possible car, and it is clear Ferrari is one of the best."

It is unclear whether Ferrari would welcome Alonso, given that the driver was heavily implicated in the spy scandal last year which saw McLaren fined $100 million and lose all their constructors points.

Ferrari earned only one point at this season's opening race in Melbourne, with Raikkonen claiming it despite not finishing.

However, the Finn bounced back with victory in Malaysia last weekend after Ferrari dominated the qualifying sessions.

Massa, however, was left distraught after his race ended in the 30th lap when he hit the gravel, having qualified in pole position.

"It's early to talk about moves and rumors, but Massa has had two bad races with mistakes and that has kicked off speculation," Alonso told As.

"It's logical this has happened, but it's too early."

Alonso was fourth in Australia, but could manage only a disappointing eighth at Sepang.

"We knew that finishing in the top eight was going to be difficult and if it hadn't been for Massa's retirement we wouldn't have made it," he said.

"That's the reality and that's what the situation is like, it was no surprise. In a normal race, with no retirements, we were ninth in qualifying and eighth in the race.

"We saw it last year and we see it every year. The cars that win the first two or three races stay on top. We are not going to see big surprises during the year." E-mail to a friend

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