Alonso focused on job in hand

Fernando Alonso insists he will not be distracted when he defends his world championship next season, despite the early announcement of his move to McLaren for 2007.

The 24-year-old won Renault’s first world title as a constructor last season but will leave after the 2006 campaign, heading for their rivals.

That move was announced yesterday, giving Alonso a year to work with Renault knowing he will be heading to pastures new.

McLaren adopted a similar strategy in 2004 when they announced their signing of Juan Pablo Montoya, prompting the Colombian to deliver a lacklustre fifth place in the drivers’ championship.

But Alonso is confident his form will not waver next year, insisting: “I’m pleased that we are able to make this announcement already now as it will allow my current team and I to focus 100% on defending the world championships next year.”

Renault president Patrick Faure backed up his star driver’s claim, suggesting a successful title-defence is still on the cards.

Faure and team boss Flavio Briatore must find a replacement for Alonso, likely to be Heikki Kovalainen, but the Frenchman is adamant his plans for success in 2006 are on track.

Faure said: “Our priority at the moment is 2006. We aim to maintain our level of performance next year with an aggressive technical programme and competitive approach.”