Fernando Alonso has denied he could take a sabbatical next year if McLaren’s 2016 car proves uncompetitive during pre-season testing.
The Spaniard refuted the claims after McLaren chairman Ron Dennis said he would consider allowing Alonso to skip the season, if they find themselves in the same situation as at present.
“I have an open mind to anything, and some of the ideas have involved those sorts of considerations, yes, sabbatical years etcetera,” Dennis is quoted by Autosport.
However Alonso said he was confused by the comments as he has often reiterated his desire to race in 2016 no matter the situation at McLaren.
“No,” he said in response. “I will be on the grid. I have been answering the same question to all of your [media] colleagues.
“When Ron says something you have the perfect opportunity to clarify some of his quotes.
“I don’t know what is the intention behind it or what he means, but of course we all want to improve.
“We want to put the car in winter testing to see how competitive we are and we are hoping for the best.
“This is a better question for Ron, for him to clarify. I have nothing to say.”
