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F1: Fernando Alonso to take Movistar to next team

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Khatir Soltani
From GMM

Wherever Fernando Alonso will go next year, sponsor Movistar will go with him.

That is the claim of Spain's Marca, who reports that Movistar, the major Spanish mobile operator, has decided to partner with Alonso's next F1 team.

"Talks with McLaren are underway," read the report.

"There are also negotiations afoot with Blackberry, the phone company that is with Mercedes and with which there is an obvious synergy. One (Movistar) sells the lines, the other (Blackberry) the handsets."

If Alonso cannot find a route into Mercedes for 2015, he is expected either to sign a one-year deal elsewhere, or simply sit out next year's championship.

"McLaren will not want to be the stopgap," said London's Times newspaper.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14-T Sochi
Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14-T (Photo: WRI2)

So while the talks go on, everybody else waits.

"It all depends on whether he (Alonso) goes to McLaren or whether he leaves formula one and returns later," said Lotus driver Romain Grosjean, who is leaving his own future open for now.

Also waiting is McLaren driver Jenson Button, the 2009 world champion.

He admitted in Russia: "My family find it really difficult to understand the situation I am in at this point, considering what I have done in the sport."

Another party whose next plans appear held up is Ferrari. There is speculation Hamilton may also be linked with the Maranello team.

"No, that's not true," the championship leader told Germany's Auto Bild in Russia.

Team boss Marco Mattiacci, meanwhile, said on Friday: "I don't have any update, any news, any announcement to be made."

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada