Alonso manager confirms McLaren split

(GMM) Fernando Alonso's manager has confirmed that the 26-year-old Spaniard is free to leave McLaren ahead of the 2008 season.

Widespread Spanish sources – including the news agency EFE and newspapers Diario As, El Mundo Deportivo and Marca – said Alonso's legal representatives successfully negotiated a split in meetings at McLaren's Woking (UK) headquarters on Thursday and Friday morning.

The double world champion, who signed a multi year contract with boss Ron Dennis that began in 2007, reportedly does not need to pay any compensation to McLaren, and is free to join any rival team next year.

"Fernando will no longer be with McLaren," Alonso's manager Luis Garcia Abad is quoted as telling Diario As.

He added: "I can confirm that. He is free to join any other team next season."

A McLaren spokeswoman would not comment on the strengthening reports, but it is expected that the team will make an announcement about the newly vacant seat in the coming hours or days.