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Alonso issues quit threat over standard engines

Alonso JapanFernando Alonso has admitted that he would consider leaving Formula One should the FIA introduce a single standard engine for all the teams in 2010.

FIA President Max Mosley has made clear his intentions to cut costs in Formula One, and introducing a sole engine supplier is among his favoured options.

The Formula One teams are known to be against the proposals and Ferrari and Toyota have threatened to quit over the matter.

Now Renault’s Fernando Alonso has flagged up his concerns: “If they approve a single engine that would be the last straw,” he is quoted as saying by the BBC.

“It would be time to start thinking about retirement,” he added.

But the double world champion did endorse the new regulations for 2009 including the return of slick tyres, the introduction of the new kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) and aerodynamic reductions.

“The advantage is that practically everybody is starting from zero,” he said.

“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.”

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