As the then freshly crowned world champion Fernando Alonso switched from Renault to McLaren-Mercedes at the end of 2006, he also brought the Spanish bank “Santander” with him as a main sponsor. The only problem was that Alonso left the team after one season, and the doors for the Spanish sponsors were closed at Renault which Alonso rejoined. At Renault the Dutch ING bank apparently holds the monopoly on sponsoring.
However, the Alonso/Santander team could pair up again in 2010, but this time at Ferrari. According to reports, the Spanish sponsors are eyeing a possible partnership with Ferrari.
It’s no giant secret that Alonso fancies a partnership with Ferrari, and the possible deal between the Spanish Bank and the Italians has only helped to further rumours, even if Santander spokespeople are remaining quiet. “We won’t comment”, the Santader spokesperson was quoted as saying. “We have a contract with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes that runs until the end of 2009.”
Alonso’s contract with Renault lasts just as long, although it also contains an early exit clause. Of course Ferrari is not at all the only possible destination for the Spaniard. The BMW Sauber F1 Team, as well as Honda or Red Bull, would all also like to vie for the Spaniard’s services.
