MOTOR SPORT:Fernando Alonso's options for next season have narrowed after Ferrari closed the door and the Spaniard himself ruled out taking a break from Formula One.

The double world champion has a contract with McLaren for 2008 but has become increasingly estranged from the Mercedes-powered team.

And Renault's Flavio Briatore has made no secret that he wants to lure Alonso back to the team that took him to his two world titles and has also assured him of number one status if he did return.

"I told Fernando that the moment he is free from McLaren, we would be pleased to have him back," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It would be stupid to deny that."