IANS

London, Oct 3: Two-time world Formula One champion Fernando Alonso said he would rather not continue alongside Lewis Hamilton at McLaren next year, and was promptly offered his old spot by Renault.

The Spaniard, set to lose the 2007 title to his McLaren team-mate, said, "I'd be delighted if I didn't carry on with Hamilton.

"If we are not together next season and I can go to a good car, then great. If we have to carry on together, then we will have another great battle."

Alonso, who was speaking in an interview with Spanish radio station SER, also denied speculation he could take 2008 off, returning to Formula One to drive for Ferrari when his McLaren contract runs out in two years' time.

Meanwhile, Renault team boss Flavio Briatore has confirmed he has offered Alonso his old job back.

"I told Fernando that the moment he is free from McLaren, we would be pleased to have him back," Briatore told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

Briatore is convinced Alonso would not have quit Renault if he had been aware he would receive the same treatment as a rookie.

"If, before signing the contract, they told Fernando, 'Come with us, but you won't have any sort of advantage', he wouldn't have gone," said Briatore.

"If you hire a world champion, then you must give him the number one status."

Hamilton has turned up the pressure on McLaren to tear up Alonso's contract, which still has two years to run, by saying he sees a long-term future at the team.