Fernando Alonso’s new Renault contract will make him formula one’s highest current earner, the Spanish daily El Mundo claims.
In a deal that is set to be signed by the Spaniard and announced by Renault imminently, Alonso, 26, will earn even more than Ferrari’s reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen in 2008, the newspaper said.
Brazilian rookie Nelson Piquet Jr will be his teammate, while Alonso’s initially two-year contract – estimated at $50m per season – will assign him minimal sponsor commitments, contain an ‘exit’ clause, as well as clear number one status.
“Renault has won the race,” El Mundo declared, referring to recent speculation of the double world champion’s links with Red Bull, Toyota and Honda.
“Alonso will return to the team where he amassed his glory.”
Another Spanish newspaper, El Pais, reports that McLaren boss Ron Dennis is waiting to know Alonso’s final plans for 2008 before deciding between Pedro de la Rosa, Heikki Kovalainen and Adrian Sutil for the vacant seat alongside Lewis Hamilton.
Alonso is expected to make his Renault test debut in late January at Valencia, in the new car.
