Alonso eyes Renault drive

Renault test driver Fernando Alonso has added to the confusion surrounding the team's line-up for 2003 by publicly stating that he wants a race seat next year

Alonso is managed by Renault team boss Flavio Briatore, and is thought to have a clause in his contract stipulating a return to F1 racing in 2003.

"I want to race for Renault because this year I had some good opportunities to race and Flavio said 'no, always be in the team, know the car and be ready for 2003'," said Alonso. "So next year is 2003 and I hope to race here. But it is maybe a little bit too early to have an answer. We are working on that, Flavio is working on that as well, and I hope to race for Renault next year."

Alonso has impressed in his testing role this year, setting competitive times against regular drivers Jenson Button and Jarno Trulli. He also had a one-off test for Jaguar, during which he outpaced incumbent driver Pedro de la Rosa. However, Alonso ruled out a possible switch to the Ford-backed team next year.

"The test for Jaguar was only a favour that Flavio did with Niki but nothing to do with next year," he confirmed. "Now I am only really thinking about racing here at Renault."