McLaren can dominate, says Stoddart

That is the view of Alonso's former boss Paul Stoddart, who claims that the capture of Alonso and a new title sponsorship deal with Vodafone are evidence of the team's ambitions.

"Ron Dennis and his people are not messing around," said Stoddart in an interview with BBC Radio Five Live. "They are making statements not just with Fernando but with Vodafone and various other things that they are contenders for the championship.

"I think it is going to make a good partnership."

Stoddart's feelings about McLaren come amid his belief that Ferrari's time at the top of the sport may have come to an end.

"I think a lot is going to depend on how Ferrari reacts in the next 12 months," he explained. "Clearly they have been the dominant force in five out of the last six years and no doubt a lot of that is down to Michael (Schumacher).

"But there is also a pretty good team of people from Jean Todt to Rory Byrne, Ross Brawn and so many people that made Ferrari a good team to be in.

"They lost the plot last year though. A lot of people blamed Bridgestone but it wasn't entirely Bridgestone's fault. And I don't think anyone thinks Michael is less of a driver, but he is clearly getting older now and Fernando is the young talent coming through.

"I think it makes a lot of sense for him (Alonso) to go somewhere where he knows the future - (Ferrari is) a small car company, losing sponsors, who perhaps have had their best time. It is hard to turn down an offer from McLaren that is stable and prosperous."