Shocking news from F1 this week as World Champion Driver Fernando Alonso signed to drive for McLaren, beginning in 2007. It was thought Alonso would be a long-time Renault driver, as Michael Schumaker was for ferrari. Apparently the young Spaniard dealt directly with McLaren team boss Ron Dennis. His agent, Flavio Briatore, who also manages the Renault team, only heard about it after the signing. Renault boss Patrick Faure was gracious in saying "fresh challenges are essential for any sportsman, and he has taken the decision to pursue a new direction in his career. That is part of Formula One, and part of life."

F1 head Bernie Ecclestone was considerably less flattering in commenting on the way in which Ron Dennis secured Alonso's services: "McLaren went out of their way to embarrass Flavio Briatore and rivals Renault by announcing Fernando Alonso's signing the way they did earlier this week." Ecclestone says it would have been better had both sides put out a joint statement confirming the world champion's move in 2007. This does, however, mean that one of McLaren's two drivers, both of whom are potential champions, will leave. With rumours flying that he'll replace Michael Schumaker at Ferrari in 2007, chances are it will be Kimi Raikkonen that departs while Juan Pablo Montoya stays.