- Ferrari
Alonso's hopes of third title hinge on 2015 deal
Fernando Alonso admits that his next move after he leaves Ferrari will likely decide whether or not he fulfils his objective of winning another world championship.
Alonso's future remains uncertain, with McLaren appearing to be the only logical destination next year if he is to stay in Formula One. With Honda returning to the sport and joining forces with McLaren next year, the team should be better positioned to win championships that it is now, but Alonso refused to give any more news on where he drive in 2015.
However, at 33 years old, Alonso is likely to see out his career at his next team and when asked whether his next decision would determine his legacy in the sport as a two-time world champion or more, he said: "Probably yes. But winning or not winning is a matter of being in the right place at the right moment. Getting the respect of everyone has more value sometimes.
"These five years at Ferrari, when I joined in September 2009 I didn't have the respect that I have now. I didn't win [the championship] in five years and it was difficult, but I grew up as a driver and as a person as well. Definitely I want to win and I want to win the third title, and I am sure that I will have the opportunity in the next years."
Asked if he knew his plans for next year, Alonso said: "I know, yes. I more or less know. The first priority at the moment is to work on the track and there are a lot of things that can happen on the track at the next few races and we need to deliver those results. Ferrari is fighting in the constructors' championship, so there is a massive push from the engineers, mechanics and everyone in the team to deliver some good results. This is the first priority at the moment. My own future is very low priority at the moment. In my opinion I know there is some speculations and rumours, but they are normal when you are in Formula One."
But despite his confidence, Alonso said he still cannot confirm his future.
"I cannot say categorically anything now. I think that there is a very ambitious plan in my head for my future and I think this is the best thing for Ferrari as well. If that happens then people will be very, very excited - as I am. I am extremely happy and all the things in the last two or three months follow exactly the plan that I had.
"There is still some difficult weeks with Jules [Bianchi]'s accident and other things that happened, which stopped also me and made the situation become more emotional. At the moment we need to respect the competition, that is what we are here for and to race on Sunday at 100%. Also, with this Jules situation it is still a sad atmosphere for everyone. We just need to deal with everything.
"It's not a problem of what the people outside want or think or even what Ferrari may want. At the end of the day, it is my decision and what I want and what I need to do for my future. I will try to do the best for me as well as for Ferrari because I always did that. We are moving in that direction and I understand everyone [having an opinion], but I need to choose."
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