Aug.5 (GMM) Fernando Alonso on Tuesday said he is unsure Renault will be able to return to the front of the formula one field in 2009.

"From one year to the next it is difficult to improve so drastically," the former double world champion is quoted as telling the Spanish radio El Larguero programme.

"It may be difficult for Renault to step up to the level of the top teams in 2009," explained Alonso, who is contracted to stay with the French squad next year but also able to switch to a rival team.

Speculation in recent days hints at a deal with Honda, but the 27-year-old is also rumoured to see a role at Ferrari as part of his future.

Some teams are viewing the sweeping regulation changes for next year as an opportunity to improve their relative competitiveness.

Alonso acknowledges this, but explains: "Never has a team gone from being one of the worst to winning (in one year)."

He is expected to decide his team for 2009 in September.