Alonso unhurt in Kenyan plane incident

UPDATE (GMM) Fernando Alonso's manager has accused the media of over-dramatizing the incident involving the Renault driver's return to Europe from a holiday in Kenya.

It was reported that, as the 27-year-old Spaniard and members of his wife's family tried to leave Malindi airport last Sunday, one of the private jet's wings struck a building.

But Alonso's agent Luis Garcia Abad told the Spanish news agency Efe: "No-one can say it was an accident. Fernando wasn't even inside the aircraft.

"We are all surprised by the commotion it has caused (in the media)," he continued. "It is true that you should not believe everything that is published."

Fernando Alonso's life passed before his eyes

01/05/09 (GMM) Fernando Alonso has emerged unhurt from an incident on Sunday aboard a private plane in Kenya, according to reports.

Citing the information of the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the website of Spain's sports publication Diario AS said a wing was damaged when the plane, also carrying the Renault driver's wife Raquel and members of her family, took off early on Sunday evening.

Alonso, 27, was attempting to return to Spain after visiting northern Kenya where his team boss, Flavio Briatore, owns the luxury resort Lion In The Sun.

A Renault spokesperson confirmed the incident that occurred at the Malindi airport, insisting that no-one was hurt.

AS said the plane's right wing struck a building, causing the pilot to momentarily lose control. It is said that a female pilot was in a state of minor shock.

The party, including Raquel's sister and her partner, subsequently organized to return to Spain on another private flight.