- 02 Dec 08, 19:37#83473
Alonso in quit threat over rules
Alonso committed to Renault for two more years at the end of 2008
Fernando Alonso has warned he could walk away from Formula One if plans to introduce a standard engine for all teams go ahead from 2010.
The sport's governing body the International Automobile Federation (FIA) wants to make the rule change as part of its cost-cutting measures.
But Renault's double world champion said: "If they approve a single engine that would be the last straw.
"It would be time to start thinking about retirement."
FIA president Max Mosley insists F1 must reduce costs by 2010 to stay credible amid a global financial crisis.
But his proposal to introduce a standard engine has met with disapproval from the road-car manufacturers.
Ferrari threatened to review their participation in the sport arguing; "the use of same engines would deprive F1 of its competition and technological development".
Alonso has added his voice to the concerns, although the Spaniard spoke positively about next season's rules changes.
New regulations for 2009 will see the return of slick tyres, the introduction of the new kinetic energy recovery system (Kers) and aerodynamic alterations.
The changes are, in part, designed to make overtaking easier and to increase competitiveness - and Alonso says that will help him in his quest for a third world title.
"The advantage is that practically everybody is starting from zero," said Alonso, who won the Singapore and Japanese Grands Prix last season.
"Next year I will try to be champion. You can't allow yourself to start the championship without thinking you're going to win.
"My objective is to win the title. It's a very clear objective, although it may have to be altered as the year goes on."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/7761669.stm
Harsh words from the Double World Champion. Mind you I don't think he would be the only driver or manufacturer to leave if this happened.
Also fingers crossed on Renault
Alonso committed to Renault for two more years at the end of 2008
Fernando Alonso has warned he could walk away from Formula One if plans to introduce a standard engine for all teams go ahead from 2010.
The sport's governing body the International Automobile Federation (FIA) wants to make the rule change as part of its cost-cutting measures.
But Renault's double world champion said: "If they approve a single engine that would be the last straw.
"It would be time to start thinking about retirement."
FIA president Max Mosley insists F1 must reduce costs by 2010 to stay credible amid a global financial crisis.
But his proposal to introduce a standard engine has met with disapproval from the road-car manufacturers.
Ferrari threatened to review their participation in the sport arguing; "the use of same engines would deprive F1 of its competition and technological development".
Alonso has added his voice to the concerns, although the Spaniard spoke positively about next season's rules changes.
New regulations for 2009 will see the return of slick tyres, the introduction of the new kinetic energy recovery system (Kers) and aerodynamic alterations.
The changes are, in part, designed to make overtaking easier and to increase competitiveness - and Alonso says that will help him in his quest for a third world title.
"The advantage is that practically everybody is starting from zero," said Alonso, who won the Singapore and Japanese Grands Prix last season.
"Next year I will try to be champion. You can't allow yourself to start the championship without thinking you're going to win.
"My objective is to win the title. It's a very clear objective, although it may have to be altered as the year goes on."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/7761669.stm
Harsh words from the Double World Champion. Mind you I don't think he would be the only driver or manufacturer to leave if this happened.
Also fingers crossed on Renault
Last edited by EwanM on 02 Dec 08, 21:55, edited 1 time in total.
Forumula One: The World's Greatest Sport
Seriously, though, good on him. 
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