Alonso agrees to 2-yr deal with Renault

Alonso is moving on after a turbulent season at McLaren, where the 26-year-old Spaniard was released from his three-year contract last month after publicly falling out with team boss Ron Dennis.

“It’s not easy to sum up a season with just a grade or a number. What is certain is that 2007 has been a very good year for me in spite of what people think,” said Alonso, who finished third in the 2007 drivers’ standings with 109 points, one behind champion Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari.

Alonso will partner another rookie in Nelson Piquet Jr. at Renault, but his No. 1 status is certain due to a close relationship to team boss Flavio Briatore. “We are delighted to be welcoming Fernando back home to the team where he enjoyed his greatest success,” Briatore said.

“He knows the team well and how we operate. He will feel comfortable straight away in this environment.

“I chose Renault in the end considering their commitment to the sport and because of their strong track record,” Alonso said.”

Renault said that Alonso and Piquet Jr. would make their debut testing the new R28 car at Valencia from January 22-24. Spanish media reported that Alonso would earn euro35 million per season, though Renault would not confirm the figure.

Alonso’s eventual return to Renault gained momentum on Friday when FIA decided against penalizing Renault for possessing confidential information about rival team McLaren. With reports linking him to Red Bull, Toyota and Williams and also suggesting he might take a year off, Alonso preferred patience while dissecting all of the possible options. “It would have never come to me not having a drive for next season,” Alonso said.