Spain's two-time world champion Fernando Alonso said Monday he may quit Renault at the end of the year after a disappointing season so far with the French team.
'I don't know,' Alonso told a news conference when asked whether he would remain at Renault in 2009.
After winning the drivers' championship with Renault in 2005 and 2006, Alonso spent an unhappy year with McLaren before returning to the French constructor this year.
But he has had a poor start to this season, garnering only nine points from seven races and failing to finish the last Grand Prix, in Canada, after spinning off the track.
'I'll decide about next year' at the end of this year, he said, in a strong hint that he could quit the team, with Ferrari and BMW rumoured to be the most likely to sign him.
Alonso is believed to have a clause in his contract with Renault that could allow him join a third team for 2009.
Alonso said he had 'good vibrations' at Renault and that it was easier for him, as a Spaniard, to work with French people or Italians that the 'people from the north' such as the British.
This season 'has not been good and we are a long way from challenging for a podium, but we are going to work very hard between now and the end of season,' he said, adding that he was encouraged by practice sessions last week in Barcelona.
'We have taken a step forward, perhaps we can fight for points at the French Grand Prix' this weekend, he said.
