McLaren confirm Alonso’s exit

The McLaren Mercedes team have confirmed Fernando Alonso will leave the team after the two sides agreed to end the Spaniard’s three-year contract early.

“Following a meeting between Fernando Alonso and McLaren, it was agreed that it would be in the best interests of both parties to bring the relationship to an end,” said the team in a statement.

“The mutual parting of ways has not been discussed until now, since it was felt that any such discussion could have seriously disrupted the team’s and Fernando’s 2007 Formula One World Championship challenge.

“Both parties believe that this was the right decision.”

Alonso, who had a torrid relationship with McLaren boss Ron Dennis during the season, was sorry things did not work out between him and the team.

The Spaniard, however, said McLaren were still a great outfit.

“Since I was a boy I had always wanted to drive for McLaren, but sometimes in life things do not work out,” said the Spaniard.

“I continue to believe that McLaren is a great team. Yes, we have had our ups and downs during the season, which has made it extra-challenging for all of us, and it is not a secret that I never really felt at home.

“I know there have been suggestions of favouritism within the team and people say a lot of things in the heat of battle, but in the end I was always provided with an equal opportunity to win.

“Today’s decision allows all of us to focus on 2008, and I wish the team, Vodafone, Banco Santander, Mutua Madrilena and all the other team Partners who I have worked closely with during the year, the best for the future.”

Dennis praised Alonso and said the decision to part company was the right one.

“Everybody at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, especially McLaren’s Spanish Partners Banco Santander and Mutua Madrilena and the team’s title partner Vodafone, want to wish Fernando all the best for the future.

“He is a great driver but for some reason the combination of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and Fernando has not really worked out, and in the end we reached a stage where none of us could find a way to move forward.

“We all believe that our joint decision to part company is for the best, and we will now continue to focus on our 2008 World Championship challenge.”

McLaren said they will announce who will partner Lewis Hamilton next year in due course.

Tata launches New Safari DICOR 2.2 VTT

Tata Motors has launched an upgraded version of its Safari SUV powered by a brand new 2.2-litre common-rail diesel engine, which the carmaker calls the Safari DICOR 2.2 VTT.

This diesel engine is a 16 valve, Dual Over Head Camshaft (DOHC) unit which is controlled by a 32 bit electronic control unit and is equipped with a turbocharger incorporating Variable Turbine Technology (VTT). This helps raise maximum power and torque to 140 PS (at 3000 rpm) and 320 Nm (at 2200 rpm) respectively.

Tata has also updated the looks slightly at the front and rear. Meanwhile the interiors get a two tone beige treatment, there is a new instrument panel and the new Safari also comes with tubeless tyres. Other goodies include follow-me-home lights, express-down power windows and a convenient feature that helps in locating the car in a crowded parking lot. The new range gets two new colours: Cycus grey and Mountain green.

Pricing starts from Rs.7.33 lakhs (ex showroom Delhi), with Tata offering an enhanced warranty of 2 years or 75000 kms. (whichever is earlier).