Jul.18 (GMM) Spanish F1 driver Fernando Alonso at Hockenheim sidestepped rumours he may accompany McLaren sponsor Santander to Ferrari in 2010.

"All I know is what I have read in the past days," the current Renault driver is quoted as saying by the news agency EFE.

"I don't know if it is true or not, I have not heard anything. Even if (Santander) do go (to Ferrari), it doesn't mean I have to go as well.

"I haven't spoken to anybody from Santander or Ferrari; that's all I have to say," he added.

Alonso, 26, also would not rule out staying with Renault in 2009.

"Let's see what will happen between now and the end of the year," he said. "Next year's championship begins in March, so I am not in a hurry to decide.

"In July, you can have discussions with people, but nothing very serious until September or October."

In another Spanish media report, meanwhile, Alonso gave a big hint about his preference for the future.

In a novel cooking activity for a sponsor, the interviewer craftily asked the former double world champion if he prefers French (Renault) or Italian (Ferrari) food.

"Spanish," Alonso smiled, according to the Diario AS newspaper. "But if you are referring to something else, then I prefer Italian," he added.