Fernando Alonso slams retirement suggestions

Fernando Alonso has slammed a journalist suggesting that Tuesday was effectively 'D-day' in his Formula 1 career.

The Times published a report positing that Spaniard would decide on Tuesday, when he drove the new McLaren-Honda for the first time, whether or not to retire.

"Yes, I read it and was very surprised," Alonso told reporters in Barcelona. "I think you should ask him about it."

He added: "I deny it, of course. I have a contract here for three years and I'm not thinking about anything else."

Alonso finished in 17th place in last season's rankings, one place behind fellow McLaren driver Jenson Button.