Equality for Hamilton and Alonso in F1 finale, McLaren insist

Oct 11, 2007, 16:08 GMT

Woking, Britain - Leader Lewis Hamilton can not expect preferential treatment over team-mate Fernando Alonso in their Formula One title finale in Brazil on October 21, McLaren-Mercedes said on Thursday.

'Following suggestions that there might not be equal treatment for both Fernando and Lewis, the team wants to make it absolutely clear that its policy of treating both Fernando and Lewis with complete equality and fairness will continue for the final race in Brazil,' the Anglo-German team said in a press release.

Team boss Ron Dennis said: 'This has been a tremendous season to which the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team and our drivers have, I believe, contributed a great deal. This contribution has been enhanced by allowing Fernando and Lewis to race each other with complete equality. This will, of course, continue in Brazil where the entire team will be doing its absolute best to win the Drivers' World Championship.'

There is speculation around the final race as Alonso and the team leadership are at odds for quite a while. The Spanish champion is reportedly ready to leave after just one season, possibly returning to Renault.

Hamilton leads the way with 107 points after the British rookie failed to clinch the title last weekend in China. The two-time reigning champ Alonso has 103 and Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen is also still in contention with 100 points.