29/09/2007
NEWS STORY
McLaren boss ron Dennis has confirmed that the issue uppermost in his mind right now is the 2007 World Championship, not who goes where in 2008.
The Englishman was speaking in Japan as speculation over the future of Fernando alonso continues. Though the Spaniard insists that he will remain with the Woking team in 2008, there are many who beleive that his relationship with the team has deteriorated to such an extent that he cannot continue there.
However, speaking to reporters following today's qualifying session, Dennis insisted that his focus is the remaining three races and the battle for the 2007 Drivers' Championship.
"Both of our drivers have contracts that are valid for several years and we are focused on the next three races," he said. "If there are any changes in those contractual relationships, they will only be discussed after the last grand prix.
"There is at this stage nobody engaged in any dialogue whatsoever. What you are looking at is speculation and people who want to contribute to any process that destabilises the team or de-focuses the drivers."
Some of the rumours in recent days have stretched plausibility almost to breaking point with Alonso linked with all manner of teams including Toyota. Meanwhile, Giancarlo fisichella's manager Enrico Zanarini said that the traditional game of driver musical chairs has stalled as teams and drivers await to see what Alonso does.