Alonso undecided on Renault future

The Spaniard is believed to have a performance-related clause in his contract that would allows him to leave the French squad at the end of the year.

Alonso, returning to Renault after a year with McLaren, has scored just nine points in seven races and lies in ninth place in the drivers' championship.

The two-time champion admitted the season has been worse than he had expected and says he will decide on his future later in the year.

"I don't know (if I will stay with Renault)," he told a news conference on Monday. "It's not been a good year so far and it has been worse than we expected. We have not been on the podium, let alone won a race.

"We have a lot of work to do. I will take a decision on my future towards the end of the year when we'll be able to see how far we have come."

The Renault driver, however, is positive the French squad can enjoy a strong race in Magny-Cours this weekend.

"In France we have a lot of support and for me it's like racing in Barcelona," he said. "During the week the team have worked hard and have made improvements with the car in testing. We have taken another step forward.

"I feel full of confidence at the moment and we are on the right track."