Ferrari announced Thursday
that Spanish driver Fernando Alonso is leaving its Formula One
team.
Germany's four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel is
reportedly set to take Alonso's place with the Italian glamour
outfit.
Alonso, who came runner-up three times after joining
Ferrari in 2010 but failed to add to his two world titles
largely because of the team's failure to give him a competitive
car, is tipped to join his former team McLaren.
"Today is not an easy one for me, because even if I always
look to the future with great enthusiasm and determination, at
the end of this season my journey as a Ferrari driver will come
to an end," Alonso, who won the 2005 and 2006 F1 world titles
with Renault, said in a statement on the team's website.
"It was a difficult decision to take, but a carefully
considered one and from start to finish, my love for Ferrari was
a prime consideration.
"I must thank the team for that, as it understood my
position.
"I leave Scuderia Ferrari after five years, during which I
reached my very best level professionally, tackling major
challenges that pushed me to find new limits.
"I also proved to be a true team-player, putting the
interests of the Scuderia before my own. When I had to take
important decisions about my future, I did so with Ferrari in my
heart, driven by my love for the team. I am very proud of what
we have achieved together.
"Thanks to the efforts of the men and women of Maranello,
on three occasions we came second in the Formula 1 World
Championship, two of them fighting for the title right up to and
including the final race, running in a championship winning
position for many laps.
"Without a shadow of a doubt, these five years produced
some of the best moments of my career and I also feel that, in
leaving the team, it is family rather than friends I am leaving
behind.
"Now I look to the future with great enthusiasm, knowing
that part of my heart will always belong to the Prancing Horse.
I want to thank each and everyone of the team for the trust they
showed in me".
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA