FERNANDO ALONSO AND VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES AGREE TO MOVE
ON
Following a meeting between Fernando Alonso and McLaren,
it was agreed that it would be in the best interests of both
parties to bring the relationship to an end.
The mutual parting of ways has not been discussed until now,
since it was felt that any such discussion could have seriously
disrupted the team’s and Fernando’s 2007 Formula
1 World Championship challenge. Both parties believe that
this was the right decision.
FERNANDO ALONSO:
“Since I was a boy I had always wanted to drive for
McLaren, but sometimes in life things do not work out. I continue
to believe that McLaren is a great team. Yes, we have had
our ups and downs during the season, which has made it extra-challenging
for all of us, and it is not a secret that I never really
felt at home. I know there have been suggestions of favouritism
within the team and people say a lot of things in the heat
of battle, but in the end I was always provided with an equal
opportunity to win. Today’s decision allows all of us
to focus on 2008, and I wish the team, Vodafone, Banco Santander,
Mutua Madrileña and all the other team Partners who
I have worked closely with during the year, the best for the
future.”
RON DENNIS:
“Everybody at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, especially
McLaren’s Spanish Partners Banco Santander and Mutua
Madrileña and the team’s title partner Vodafone,
want to wish Fernando all the best for the future. He is a
great driver but for some reason the combination of Vodafone
McLaren Mercedes and Fernando has not really worked out, and
in the end we reached a stage where none of us could find
a way to move forward. We all believe that our joint decision
to part company is for the best, and we will now continue
to focus on our 2008 World Championship challenge.”
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will announce any additions to
its existing driver line-up in due course.
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