Fernando Alonso returns to Renault

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Fernando Alonso has rejoined Renault following a controversial season with McLaren. The Spaniard has opted to rejoin the team that made him world champion in 2005 and 2006, ending speculation regarding his future.

The move comes in the wake of the FIA, motorsport's world governing body, deciding not to punish Renault for their role in the spy scandal, despite finding them guilty of fraudulent conduct.

The 26-year-old Spaniard will be joined by Nelson Piquet Jnr, who has been promoted from his role as test driver, after Flavio Briatore, the team principal, ditched Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen.

With Nico Rosberg signing a new contract with Williams over the weekend, so ruling him out of a move to McLaren, it is now likely Kovalainen will join Lewis Hamilton at the Woking-based team.

"I am delighted to be returning to Renault.," Alonso said. "This is the team where I grew up as a driver in Formula One. Now it is time for us to begin a new chapter together.

"I am very excited about working with this great team once more, and confident that together we can move back to the front of the field.

"Renault had a difficult year in 2007, but I know that the team has real strength in depth. I am confident they can produce a fast and competitive car and be back at the top in 2008."

Alonso will be Renault's No 1 driver ahead of Piquet Jnr and Briatore is pleased with his new line-up. "Fernando and Nelsinho will form one of the most exciting driver line-ups of 2008. We are delighted to be welcoming Fernando back home to the team where he enjoyed his greatest success.

"His abilities as a driver and a team leader are well known, and we look forward to forging another strong partnership. What's more, he knows the team well and how we operate. He will feel comfortable straight away in this environment.

"Nelsinho is one of the most promising young talents in motorsport. After his success in GP2, he has spent a year learning the ropes as our test driver and getting to know the team. He is now ready to step up to the next level."

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I still don't think he will win. Seems a bit like they are in the FIAs pocket along with Ferrari.