I realsie many ppl in LYN is glory hunter, when a team/driver or even football team wins they will stand on their side and once something happen to the team/driver they will say feel ashame of u la, blablabla

McLaren have announced that former world champion Fernando Alonso is to leave the team, after both parties agreed to a 'mutual parting of ways'. Alonso, who joined the British squad from Renault at the start of 2007, did have two years left to run on his contract.

The statement released on Friday revealed that, after discussions, it had been decided 'it would be in the best interests of both parties to bring the relationship to an end'.

Although Alonso won four races during the 2007 season, and finished third in the championship battle, relations between the Spaniard and McLaren had become increasingly strained in recent months.

"He is a great driver but for some reason the combination of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and Fernando has not really worked out, and in the end we reached a stage where none of us could find a way to move forward," explained McLaren team principal Ron Dennis. "We all believe that our joint decision to part company is for the best, and we will now continue to focus on our 2008 world championship challenge.

"Everybody at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, especially McLaren's Spanish Partners Banco Santander and Mutua Madrilena and the team's title partner Vodafone, want to wish Fernando all the best for the future,"

For his part, Alonso said that, although he never really felt at home at McLaren, he still believed they were a great squad.

"Since I was a boy I had always wanted to drive for McLaren, but sometimes in life things do not work out," explained the 26 year-old. "I continue to believe that McLaren is a great team. Yes, we have had our ups and downs during the season, which has made it extra-challenging for all of us, and it is not a secret that I never really felt at home.

"I know there have been suggestions of favouritism within the team and people say a lot of things in the heat of battle, but in the end I was always provided with an equal opportunity to win. Today's decision allows all of us to focus on 2008, and I wish the team, Vodafone, Banco Santander, Mutua Madrilena and all the other team partners who I have worked closely with during the year, the best for the future."

The team also revealed that an announcement on Alonso's replacement would be made in due course.

All the best to Fernando Alonso. Hope to become world champion again and prove to lousy Mc

Whoever partner Hamilton will be discriminated afterall the MAIN driver is Hamilton. So better chose someone who is lame and easy to manipulate and control.

maybe you can volunteer?

Although I'm not F1 driver but i'm not dumd to driver for lousy team.

Although I'm not F1 driver but i'm not dumd to driver for lousy team.

i would like to know how many years vodafone is contracting partnership with mclaren ah? coz it gives me an impression tat it only sponsors teams with outstanding drivers... eg: ferrari team when michael was around... then switch to mclaren when alonso was around... now alonso leaves mclaren, will vodafone still stay in the team?

Finland's Heikki Kovalainen has joined McLaren and will race alongside Lewis Hamilton in 2008.

The 26-year-old, who scored 30 points in his maiden F1 season with Renault, has signed a "long-term contract".

"I think Lewis and Heikki will be a formidable combination," said McLaren chief executive Martin Whitmarsh. "I am confident they'll work well together."

Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa, who had been vying with Kovalainen for a race seat, will remain as test driver.

McLaren were left looking for a second driver after Fernando Alonso left the team to return to Renault following a turbulent season in which he fell out with boss Ron Dennis and Hamilton.

Norbert Haug, vice-president of McLaren's engine partner Mercedes, said he was confident Hamilton and Kovalainen would form a strong partnership.

"Everybody in the team is looking forward to a very fruitful co-operation," he said.

"Lewis and Heikki will form one of the youngest driver line-ups, and I am convinced that both will be very strong and at the same time co-operative competitors."

Kovalainen had already been linked with a move to McLaren when it was confirmed earlier in December that Alonso and Nelson Piquet Jr would fill the race seats at Renault next season.

By joining McLaren, Kovalainen follows in the footsteps of fellow Finns Keke Rosberg, Mika Hakkinen and Kimi Raikkonen.

"It's an honour for me to follow in Mika and Kimi's footsteps," he said.

"I haven't really spent a lot of time with Lewis so far but from what I know I think we will work well together and do our best for the team."

Hamilton, 22, welcomed Kovalainen's arrival.

"I am really looking forward to 2008 and working with Heikki as my team-mate," said the Briton, who finished second in last season's championship.

"Together with the team we will do everything we can to ensure that our championship challenge is as strong and focused as possible."

Mc cheater!
you give F1 a bad name!
and heikki will kick hamilton's ass!
and mr run downdennis will announce his retirement at the end of 2008 
now that the truth is unveiled, whoever defending that mclaren was innocent should apologise.

chow 

oooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh i'm very the afraid one................. ooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

God is fair. everyone will get their due 
lets just hope for a fair and square battle in 2008 season