Renault want to re-sign Alonso - Minardi

Renault president Carlos Ghosn is working on brining Fernando Alonso back to the returning constructor, according to Giancarlo Minardi.

The former F1 team owner claims Renault is attempting to tempt Alonso away from McLaren - where he endured a frustrating 2015, scoring just 11 points - to the team with which he won his two drivers' championships in 2005 and 2006. Alonso, who drove for Minardi in 2001, insisted over the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend he would see out his career with McLaren.

“With the purchase of Lotus and their return as a constructor, [Renault] have all the interest to reinforce each of their departments,” Minardi wrote on his website. “They are looking for human resources, technicians, and drivers. President Carlos Ghosn is working to tear Fernando Alonso away from Honda.”

And Minardi took the opportunity to criticise the increase in costs in F1, saying it makes it impossible for smaller teams to survive like his own did twenty years ago.

“Spending over €400million having a team made of 1000 persons to build two cars is absurd. Like it is crazy paying €25million for the power unit; only a few years ago the engine price was €5-6million. Today, the difference is €20million and it is difficult to find them in the market.

"According to the numbers, today’s F1 isn’t a great investment as it was in the 90s when it assured the company an unequaled economic return. With clear projects and freedom of creating, we would be able to find out alternative solutions. Also the little teams would be able to carry ingenious solutions on track."

Key dates for the 2016 F1 season

Playing the joker: Sebastian Vettel

Technical feature: All of the 2015 F1 steering wheels

Use the red tabs on either side of the screen to scroll through more Formula One news and features

2015 F1 technical review