MADRID // The double world champion Fernando Alonso has said he may think about quitting Formula One if the sport adopted a standard engine from 2010. "If they approved that, it would be the last straw. It would be time to think of retirement," he said. Formula One's governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), said in October they intended to change the rules to force teams to use a standard engine from 2010 as part of a cost-cutting drive. They have since launched a tender for bids to provide the engine, although they said this was only one of three options being considered.
The champions Ferrari, who could well figure in Alonso's future, and Toyota have already said they would consider pulling out if standard engines were imposed. Alonso, a champion with Renault in 2005 and 2006, said Formula One was going backwards technically with recent regulation changes. "In 2005 we had a V10 engine with 1,000 horsepower," he said. "That was what was exciting for the driver, motor racing at the limit. We have gone from the futuristic to cars without grip or electronic aids which look like something from the past."
Alonso won two races for Renault this year to end the year in fourth place overall. * Reuters
