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.

“I talked to Ron on Friday, I told him what had been published. He said ‘I didn’t mean that and tomorrow I will clarify it.’ On Saturday he clarified but no one copied that.

“I said the opposite on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and I’m sure in January and February I will keep answering the same questions.”

Alonso has just finished his worst ever season in F1 following his move from Ferrari to rejoin McLaren. The Spaniard retired from eight races — the most since his opening season, with minnows Minardi — and scored just 11 points.

Alonso said that motivation will play a key role in whether he extends his career beyond 2017. “We have to be open to any possibility,” added Alonso, speaking at Johnnie Walker’s Join The Pact festival in London.

“Let’s see what happens in one and a half years.”