Zoom Alonso has other options open...

As speculation of a deal with BMW Sauber builds, Fernando Alonso says staying at Renault is his "first option" for the 2009 season.

"I am trying to find the best place that I can be," the former double World Champion told Spanish radio Cadena Ser.

"I know all the people and that things can go well here. They are preparing the new car but I have not seen much of it."

"All the teams are very optimistic about next year. But Renault have given me two championship cars and so it is easier to believe what they tell me over the others," Alonso said.

Alonso insists he has never intended to think about his next step until late this season, but until Ferrari confirmed at Monza Kimi Raikkonen's plans for the next two years, there was always the faint hope of a vacant seat.

Alonso does not believe that any doors have closed.

"I am 27 and have many more laps to do," he explained. "If I race in F1 for another eight or ten years, perhaps one day I will again have the opportunity to go there."

"For now I have to try to get back to winning as soon as possible, rather than think about 2010 or 2011," Alonso said.

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Source: GMM