Grapevine: Alonso denies plans to leave McLaren

Speculation that he might be looking for an early exit from the team was unfounded, the 25-year-old Spaniard said at the French Grand Prix.

"Only rumours have been in the press and I think this is impossible to stop," said Alonso, who joined McLaren from Formula One champions Renault at the end of last season after agreeing a three-year deal.

"I'm second, behind my teammate, so all the rumours are about myself now and it would be the opposite if I was first and my teammate was second," he told a news conference at Magny-Cours.

"But the situation is good and I have no problems and no intention to leave the team before I finish (my contract)," added Alonso, who has won two races this year.

The champion is 10 points adrift of Hamilton, who has won the last two races and finished on the podium after all seven starts.

There have been reports of tension between the two, despite both men saying they get on well, and Alonso said earlier in the month that he did not feel entirely comfortable at the British-based team.

According to Hamilton, the two drivers have a pact not to discuss each other without the other being present but Alonso said on Thursday: "It is not true."

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, also the subject of speculation about his future in Italy after failing to make the podium in his last four races, said he had no worries either.

"I think I'm in a pretty safe place," said the Finn, who hoped impressive testing times at Silverstone last week would be converted into improved race pace on Sunday.