Alonso gearing up for 2003

Renault test driver Fernando Alonso is preparing for 2003 and hopes that he will stay at Renault -- as a full time driver. The Spaniard, who impressed many with his performance at Minardi last season, said his manager Flavio Briatore is working on ...

Renault test driver Fernando Alonso is preparing for 2003 and hopes that he will stay at Renault -- as a full time driver. The Spaniard, who impressed many with his performance at Minardi last season, said his manager Flavio Briatore is working on finding him a race seat for 2003 and he hopes it will be with Renault.

Fernando Alonso.

Photo by Nikki Reynolds.

Jenson Button recently revealed he has been talking to other teams concerning his future so it's possible if he moves on that Alonso will get his seat. Briatore insits nothing has been arranged in the way of a driver line up for Renault next year: "From the beginning of the season we have said we decide in July after Silverstone," Briatore said. "I have no clue, honestly, about what we are doing for the moment. I know there is already speculation but it is nothing."

Alonso tested for Jaguar recently and fired speculation that he was being lined up to replace Eddie Irvine, but he said it was nothing to do with next year: "The test for Jaguar was only a favour that Flavio did with Niki (Lauda) but nothing to do with next year," he explained. "Now I am only really thinking about racing here at Renault."

"I want to race for Renault because this year I had some good opportunities to race and Flavio said no, always be in the team, know the car and be ready for 2003," Alonso said of his future. "So next year is 2003 and I hope to race here. But it is maybe a little bit too early to have an answer. We are working on that, Flavio is working on that as well, and I hope to race for Renault next year."