It was originally thought that Renault would have an announcement on who their 2008 drivers would be before the start of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend and while that it is still a possibility, it may take even longer than originally expected. The reason cited by team boss Flavio Briatore for the delay is that the French based squad is looking to offer their line up a better car and that should help them evaluate the situation a little clearer.

However, in all honesty, this is possibly only a half truth as there is strong speculation that the Italian team boss is hoping to re-secure the services of the man he took to two world crowns, Fernando Alonso, before his contract expires at McLaren.

Like many others in the paddock, Briatore believes Alonso is not happy in his new team and would like to come back to the French based squad, in fact, the champion does look to be a little isolated at the Woking based squad because day in, day out he sits together with his manager, his father and his girlfriend at one table in the McLaren motorhome and there is very little conversation with other team members.

However, for Briatore’s dream to come true, Alonso needs a valid reason to get out of his contract with McLaren as Ron Dennis would never let him go any other way, so there is the possibility that Flavio is waiting to be given that reason by the FIA world council today. If the drivers lose points, then they could theoretically say that their image has been damaged through no fault of their own, however, at this stage, it must be noted that this is pure speculation.