The BBC is reporting that Fernando Alonso has played down speculation that he will move to Ferrari at the end of the season.

The move will do little to quell such speculation as he is reported to be on a release clause with Renault and the story looks set to continue for the entire season or at least until he signs a contract for someone.

When asked if he had a get out clause he replied “No” and later added “I do not remember that clause” but continued "as we saw last year contracts are always very flexible". Seemingly referring to the cancellation/finishing of his McLaren contract.

"At the moment, we have just started the championship. We are disappointed about our performance in the first two races, but it is not time to give up. It is time to keep working and then we will see at the end of the season where we are. At the moment I am convinced that Renault and I can do a good job together. I knew when I signed for Renault that the gap was too big to recover all this distance in one year. I knew that 2008 would be a difficult season and we needed to keep improving and be as close as we can to the top teams. At the same time, you always have to hope that if you are not fighting for the championship, you will be on the podium, or win one race or whatever."

Alonso seems resigned to not being able to compete at the front of the grid.

"It seems at the moment, we are not in that position so it is a mix of feelings," he said.

"There is not a big problem in the car, just many little ones. Aerodynamically the car has to be better and more efficient. We will see what happens."