Renault to name Alonso replacement next week

(GMM) Renault will name the Ferrari-bound Fernando Alonso's replacement for the 2010 season "next week", the French team announced at Suzuka on Thursday.

In a statement, Enstone based Renault – although having previously parted with the Spaniard when he switched for a single season to McLaren in 2007 – wished the 27-year-old "all the best" for the "next phase of his career with a new team".

It is believed that Alonso's move is about to trigger a domino effect in the frenetic 2010 drivers' market, with the next announcements likely to be Robert Kubica to Renault and Kimi Raikkonen back to McLaren.

Another likely move is Williams' Nico Rosberg and Brawn's Rubens Barrichello swapping seats, and possibly Timo Glock to the newly Qadbak-owned Sauber team.