(GMM) World champion Fernando Alonso's newly unveiled McLaren deal is for three years, not counting an optional fourth formula one season, to include 2010.
The F1 grapevine is also whispering that the 24-year-old's switch from Renault next year will almost certainly double his annual retainer, bringing his haul from $12m (US) to about $24m.
But some estimates, for example of London's authoritative 'Times' newspaper, put Alonso's yearly bill at up to $37m.
But as well as indicate that Kimi Raikkonen might vacate his silver seat, Monday's bombshell ends speculation that Michael Schumacher counted McLaren as an option for beyond next year.
Former German grand prix driver Hans-Joachim Stuck told Bild: ''If Schumacher has another flop year with Ferrari, he will (retire).''
German daily 'Bild' also revealed that McLaren's Ron Dennis only kicked off negotiations with Spaniard Alonso after the Chinese finale in October.
Written: Wed, 21 Dec 2005 00:25:12
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