The plans for 2008 of both Renault and Fernando Alonso are expected to be clear by no later than next Monday. Although Red Bull, Honda and Toyota are understood to still be in the running to secure the services of the double world champion, the Spanish newspaper Diario AS mentioned December 10 as a day of clarity for Alonso, who is 26, and the French team led by his former boss and mentor Flavio Briatore.

This Thursday, December 6, Renault will appear before the World Motor Sport Council in Monaco facing serious charges of spying on McLaren.

It is believed that Alonso, who left Ron Dennis’ Woking based team after a tumultuous 2007 season, delayed his decision about returning to Renault pending the outcome of the new FIA probe.

The sports daily Marca claims that while the Spaniard and his wife Raquel Rosario stayed with his family in Asturias last week, his advisors - supported by the law firm Garrigues-Walker, who are pushing for a one-year contract for their client - travelled to Austria for talks with Red Bull baron Dietrich Mateschitz.

The story follows speculation, denied by the Japanese team, that Alonso visited the Honda factory in Brackley, UK. (GMM)