I’ll be back in 2016, says Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso, Formula One’s two-time world champion, insists he will be on the grid for the 2016 curtain raiser in Australia.

McLaren chairman Ron Dennis claimed at the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi that Alonso, who has two years to run on his deal with the British team, may consider taking next year off from the sport.

But Alonso, speaking from Wembley Stadium yesterday, dismissed suggestions of a sabbatical. Asked if he will be in Melbourne for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Alonso, 34, said: “Yes.