Sport | Motorsport

Alonso may quit over engine issue

Double world champion Fernando Alonso said yesterday he would think about quitting Formula One if the sport adopted a standard engine from 2010.

  • Reuters
  • Published: 23:16 December 3, 2008
  • Gulf News

Madrid: Double world champion Fernando Alonso said yesterday he would think about quitting Formula One if the sport adopted a standard engine from 2010.

"If they approved that, it would be the last straw. It would be time to think about retirement," the Spaniard told reporters at a charity event organised by his Renault team's sponsors ING.

Formula One's governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), said in October it intended to change the rules to force teams to use a standard engine from 2010 as part of a cost-cutting drive.

It has since launched a tender for bids to provide the engine, although it said this was only one of three options being considered.

Champions Ferrari, who could well figure in Alonso's future, and Toyota have already said they will consider pulling out if standard engines were imposed.

Alonso, champion with Renault in 2005 and 2006, said Formula One was going backwards technically with recent regulation changes.

"In 2005 we had a V10 engine with 1,000 horsepower," he said.

"That was what was exciting for the driver, motor racing at the limit.

"We have gone from the futuristic to cars without grip or electronic aids which look like something from the past."

Early doldrums

Alonso won two races for Renault this year with the French manufacturer recovering from early doldrums to end the year in fourth place overall.

In 2009, with the introduction of slick tyres and the new KERS device that recovers energy from the brakes to provide extra bursts of power, the Spaniard said he would be going for the title again.

"I cannot allow myself to start the championship without thinking I am going to win," he said.

"My aim and that of the team is the title. It's a very clear objective, even if as the year progresses one may have to adapt to circumstances," he added.

  • Rate this article
  • Average reader rating (0 votes) 0 Stars
Tools

Emailing an article to friend is a simple way to share a news item. Your friend will receive an email with your name and email address as well any personal message you choose to send.

The information you provide on this page will not be used to send unsolicited emails.

This service is not intended to encourage spam, and action may be taken against individuals who maliciously enter personal details of another individual.

Share this article

More from Motorsport

  1. Awaiting Briatore's court battle in Paris burning rubber

  2. 'Iceman' left out in the cold for a year

  3. Button completes all-British line-up of champions

  4. Button to partner with Hamilton

All articles in Motorsport

More from Sport

Gulf News
Popular in Sport
Beach soccer action
Sport

Beach soccer action

Action from the Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup at the Umm Suqueim Beach

Sport Editor's choice