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FRANCE - Double Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso said he was committed long-term to McLaren despite the stunning success of rookie team mate Lewis Hamilton.
Speculation that he might be looking for an early exit from the team was unfounded, the 25-year-old Spaniard said at the French Grand Prix.
"Only rumours have been in the press and I think this is impossible to stop," said Alonso, who joined McLaren from Formula One champions Renault at the end of last season after agreeing a three-year deal.
"I'm second, behind my team mate, so all the rumours are about myself now and it would be the opposite if I was first and my team mate was second," he said.
"The situation is good and I have no problems and no intention to leave the team before I finish (my contract)," added Alonso, who has won two races this year.
The champion is 10 points adrift of Hamilton, who has won the last two races and finished on the podium after all seven starts.
There have been reports of tension between the two, despite both men saying they get on well, and Alonso said earlier in the month that he did not feel entirely comfortable at the British-based team.
According to Hamilton, the two drivers have a pact not to discuss each other without the other being present but Alonso said today: "It is not true."
He denied that he was angry with his team at Indianapolis, where he tried and failed to find a way past Hamilton.
In-car camera footage showed him raising a gloved fist after veering over towards the pit lane wall.
"I raise my hand every time I catch a car that I lap and every time that I am fighting with someone," Alonso grinned.
"If you want to enjoy a race you must watch my on-board camera because I am always quite emotional."
- REUTERS
