NOVEMBER 22, 2000

Alonso move still unclear

FERNANDO ALONSO's manager Adrian Campos has dismissed reports that the young Spanish driver has signed for Benetton, but would not clarify where his future will lie.

Alonso, who is under contract to struggling Italian team Minardi, was reported to have signed a deal with Benetton, but his manager dismissed the claims in the Spanish press.

Campos said that Alonso will wait to see if Minardi can resolve their current problems in finding a new sponsor and engine for the 2001 season before he makes any decision.

"Fernando has become the fashionable boy in Formula One," Campos said. "But he understands his position very clearly. He has said that he will wait and see what happens with Minardi, because firstly we must support and respect the team.

"Alonso's priority is for Minardi to say if they will be in Formula One or not. If the answer is yes, then we will have to wait and see under which circumstances this takes place, otherwise everything will open up. Any decision, however will be taken with Minardi's consent."

Minardi and Benetton spokespersons have denied any knowledge of Alonso signing for Flavio Briatore's Benetton team and it is clear that the young Spaniard is holding out to see if he can get a drive for next season with Minardi after the departure of Marc Gene this week.

Gene has joined BMW-Williams as a test driver and that leaves a space for Alonso to partner Gaston Mazzacane next season if Minardi can find an engine and sponsor to support the team in 2001.