After an unsettled season marked by infighting and controversy, Fernando Alonso capped the year on a positive note.
The two-time Formula 1 world champion agreed to a two-year contract with Renault that puts him back behind the wheel of the French team where he achieved his greatest success.
"I am delighted to be returning to Renault," Alonso said in a statement on Monday. "This is the team where I grew up as a driver in Formula 1. Now it is time for us to begin a new chapter together."
PHOTO: EPA
Alonso is moving on after a turbulent season at McLaren, where the 26-year-old Spaniard was released from his three-year contract last month after publicly falling out with team boss Ron Dennis.
The rocky relations -- caused by Dennis' refusal to give Alonso No. 1 status over rookie driving partner Lewis Hamilton -- eventually led to a spy scandal that cost McLaren US$100 million and all of its constructors' championships points.
"It's not easy to sum up a season with just a grade or a number. What is certain is that 2007 has been a very good year for me in spite of what people think," said Alonso, who finished third in the season's drivers' standings with 109 points, one behind champion Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari.
Alonso will partner another rookie in Nelson Piquet Jr at Renault, but his No. 1 status is certain due to a close relationship to team boss Flavio Briatore.
"We are delighted to be welcoming Fernando back home to the team where he enjoyed his greatest success," Briatore said. "He knows the team well and how we operate. He will feel comfortable straight away in this environment."
Alonso made Formula 1 history at Renault.
The Oviedo native became the youngest pole sitter and then race winner at age 21 at the Hungarian Grand Prix in August 2003. Alonso is also the youngest driver in F1 history to win the title. He held off seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher to repeat last year.
"I had the chance to be part of this success. It is one of the greatest teams ... a team that knows what it takes to win," Alonso said. "I chose Renault in the end considering their commitment to the sport and because of their strong track record."
Renault said that Alonso and Piquet Jr would make their debut testing the new R28 car at Valencia from Jan. 22 and Jan. 24.
Spanish media reported that Alonso would earn 35 million euros (US$51.3 million) per season, though Renault would not confirm the figure.
Alonso's eventual return to Renault gained momentum on Friday when the FIA decided against penalizing Renault for possessing confidential information about rival team McLaren.
With reports linking him to Red Bull, Toyota and Williams and also suggesting he might take a year off, Alonso preferred patience while dissecting all of the possible options.
"It would have never come to me not having a drive for next season," Alonso said. "We are talking about a very important decision and since I could not get back at the wheel of a car until January or February, there was no rush."
Renault finished third in the constructors' championship this year with 51 points, 153 behind champion Ferrari.
Alonso made his F1 debut in 2001 with Minardi and spent three years at Renault from 2003 to last year. In 105 races, he won 19 and finished on the podium 49 times.
Giancarlo Fisichella and Heiki Kovalainen drove for Renault this year.
"Renault had a difficult year in 2007, but I know that the team has real strength in depth," Alonso said. "I am confident they can produce a fast and competitive car and be back at the top in 2008."
However, Alonso stopped short of promising a third championship at Renault.
"We will see what can be done," Alonso said. "We shouldn't put the cart before the horse."
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