Alonso sees few options outside McLaren

By Alan Baldwin

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso recognised on Saturday that he was most likely to stay at McLaren next season despite lingering doubts about his future.

"There are not many options I think and I have a contract with McLaren so the possibilities for the near future are around here, driving for McLaren," the Spaniard told reporters at the Turkish Grand Prix.

"As far as I know that is the only possibility," added the 26-year-old, in what came across as a less than wholehearted endorsement of the championship-leading team.

Asked specifically whether he was happy at McLaren, the champion replied without smiling: "As far as I have a winning car, I'm happy.

"This year we have a winning car, we are first and second in the drivers (championship) and leading the constructors so I am happy."

Alonso won both his titles with Renault and, according to paddock gossip, could be contemplating a swift return to the French team.

Seven points behind rookie team mate Lewis Hamilton with six races remaining, the Spaniard complained on Friday that he was not being rewarded for the insight and expertise he brought to McLaren.

He said also that he still had problems with McLaren, despite clearing the air with Hamilton in Istanbul after their falling out in Hungary earlier this month, and did not know where he would be driving next year.