Alonso leaves McLaren

Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso has left McLaren.

Alonso, who won the world title in 2005 and 2006, is now free to sign for another team after being released.

"Since I was a boy I had always wanted to drive for McLaren, but sometimes in life things do not work out," said Alonso in a statement released by the team.

Team principal Ron Dennis added: "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."

The Spaniard, who finished third in the World Championship behind rookie team-mate Lewis Hamilton and champion Kimi Raikkonen, has had a strained relationship with the Woking-based team.