Alonso refuses to take a sabbatical year

Some rumors suggested that Fernando Alonso, a driver at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, might take a sabbatical year. Fernando clearly responded that taking a sabbatical year was out of the question, even if he leaves McLaren.

Fernando confirmed to a Spanish radio station that it was never a question of not driving in 2008.

“Taking a sabbatical year is not in my plans, I want to race in 2008, I am 100% sure of it,” he said.

Fernando believes it would be too costly to leave the year when regulations change and traction controls are banned.

“Next year will be a really important year, all driving aids will disappear, and we will need to be there. It’s important that I adapt to the car, which will be completely different. If I take a season off, the other drivers will already have mastered their cars while it will be new for me.”

Other rumors suggested Alonso would join Ferrari in 2008 alongside Kimi Räikkönen, but like Jean Todt, the Ferrari boss, the Spaniard denied wanting to join the Italian team.

“Kimi and Felipe have contracts with Ferrari for 2008, so I cannot join them next year.”

Lewis Hamilton, the current leader of the world championship and Ron Dennis’s favorite at McLaren, has clearly stated that he does not want Alonso at McLaren in 2008.

“I don’t know who would replace Fernando at McLaren, but I would prefer to see him at Ferrari and myself at McLaren.”

Alonso replied to the young driver that he would have no problem staying with Hamilton at McLaren in 2008.