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Fernando Alonso avoids ruling out Ferrari exit amid McLaren rumours

Fernando Alonso refuses to rule out the possibility of leaving Ferrari before the end of his contract in 2016.

Fernando Alonso has refused to confirm that his future beyond 2016 is at Ferrari following rumours that McLaren are interested in the Spaniard.

The double world champion is said to be wanted by McLaren, who will begin their new engine partnership with Honda next year.

Red Bull have also been touted as a possible destination for the 33-year-old, who is rumoured to have developed a strained relationship with the Ferrari team.

According to BBC Sport, when asked ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix whether he could confirm that he will not be a McLaren or Red Bull driver in 2015 or 2016, Alonso said: "That's a very difficult question to answer. I will do the best for Ferrari.

"If [the rumours] are intensified, I don't know the reason and cannot imagine the reason. I always put the interest of the team and the interest of the tifosi (fans) - this big brand Ferrari that is bigger than all of us - in front of my own interest.

"So if there is something to talk about in the future and something better for Ferrari, I will do whatever."

Alonso's contract with Ferrari expires in two years' time.

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Jensen Button of McLaren drives during a practise session for the Indian Formula One Grand Prix on October 26, 2013
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