Alonso Still Unsure about Future

Spanish teenager Fernando Alonso has admitted he is still unsure about his future in Formula One next season after a promising debut with the Minardi team this year.

The 19-year old driver has impressed at the wheel of the underpowered Minardi, clearly beating his more experienced teammate Tarso Marques and often qualifying ahead of the Renault-powered Benettons. Although his results have not been impressive, Alonso has been tipped as a future star and many teams have already shown interest in hiring him.

However, Alonso has admitted his future is still unclear, and despite Minardi boss Paul Stoddart claiming he will stay with them in 2002, the Spaniard said he is talking with other teams. He confessed, though, he expects to join the Renault team in a near future.

"I know nothing about my future," Alonso told Spanish news agency Efe. "There are a lot of rumours about next year, but It's still too early. We are talking with people from other teams, I guess I will know something in September or October.

"I'm optimistic. I think I'm doing a good job at Minardi. The results are not spectacular at all, but people in Formula One value what I'm doing. I'm not worried about 2002. I'm more concerned about 2003 and 2004.

"I know in some time I will go to Renault, and I have to find places where I can continue to learn to get there well prepared."

Renault, owners of Benetton, will make their official return to Formula One next season as a team, and Benetton's boss Flavio Briatore is the owner of Alonso's contract.