Formula 1 news

Alonso rules out sabbatical

Fernando Alonso has said there is no chance of him sitting out the 2008 season, if he leaves McLaren and cannot get a competitive ride at the front of the grid. Speculation that Alonso could take a year out has been sparked after Ferrari boss Jean Todt denied there was an offer on the table to the reigning world champion.

"Taking a year out is not my plan at all," Alonso told the Cadena Ser radio station. "I want to race, that's what I enjoy and what I want."

Alonso said sitting out next season would be particularly costly in light of the new rules which will ban traction control.

"There will be a major change to the rules next year and it's a season you have to race to adapt to the cars which will effectively be completely new," he added.

more news

• 21 Mar.
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• 20 Mar.
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  • Sauber expecting more from Albert Park
• 19 Mar.
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  • 'We should be more competitive in Melbourne' - de la Rosa
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• 18 Mar.
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  • McLaren buys back Mercedes shares
  • Massa never doubted physical condition
  • Coulthard to drive Red Bull in Belfast
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  • De la Rosa becomes Certina ambassador
• 17 Mar.
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  • GPUpdate TV: Stefano Domenicali interview
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• 16 Mar.
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• 15 Mar.
  • Schumacher 'very, very happy' with result
  • First-corner IndyCar collision for Sato

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