Where's Alonso Going?

SO,

With the forthcoming hearing in the latest twist of the long-dragging Formula 1'Spygate' scenario – namely Renault being accused by McLaren of having a large collection of information of the Woking team’s 2006 and '07' cars thanks to an engineer who switched teams in January – there are now question marks hanging over the head of two-time champion Fernando Alonso’s opportunities to race next year.

Until recently, it was widely believed that the subordinate Spaniard had four options. These were Red Bull Racing, Toyota, Force India (Spyker) and with his previous home, nestled under Flavio’s wing in Enstone.

But it would seem these options are dwindling.

The McLaren reject seems hell bent on serving his own needs by hunting for a single year contract, with a view to setting off to Maranello as partner to Kimi Raikkonen in 2009. However, it seems that no-one is particularly keen or in a position to offer him this.

Toyota have Timo Glock and Jarno Trulli (sort-of) signed up for next year, Force India aren't really in a position to employ a World Champion, Renault are still tied up in the spy situation – which may have massive ramifications on the French manufacturers future in the sport – and Red Bull.

But today it would seem that his chances are fading, as Red Bull driver (and the one considered most likely to be replaced by Alonso) David Coulthard told Reuters there was no chance of his being ousted for next year.

"Why would Fernando leave McLaren to come to Red Bull at the moment?" he asked. "If he didn't enjoy not winning a lot at McLaren, he definitely isn't going to enjoy not winning at all at Red Bull at the moment is he?"

And in case, it would appear that 36-year-old DC has a totally water-tight contract for ’08.

"They simply cannot not put me in the car next year, even if they wanted not to, unless there was a solution found.

"Having been around the block a few times, my contract specifically states that if there's a world championship, they [RBR] have to enter me in it."

So where is he going?

There is a very good chance that the answer may be nowhere. But of course it does make you wonder what would happen in 2009. Fernando has already shown that he heartily dislikes having a team-mate who can rattle him for pace, and unless Ferrari are stupid enough to offer Alonso number one status over their current golden boy and World Champion Kimi Raikkonen, he is going to be in the same situation he is in now.

I wonder how long Ferrari would put up with Alonso's whingeing and threats?

Not as long as McLaren did I’m sure.