Monday 4 August at 10:37 : Fernando Alonso is set to sign a $15m deal to race with Honda in 2009, according to the British newspaper The Guardian.

The former double world champion is keen to return to winning ways as soon as possible following his disastrous McLaren tenure in 2007 and a return to an uncompetitive Renault team this year.

But he may not see Honda, the Japanese squad based in Brackley (UK), as a long-term employer, as speculation still reigns that the 27-year-old faces an open door to switch to Ferrari perhaps in 2010.

The Guardian said veteran racer Rubens Barrichello would be the one to make way for Alonso in 2009.

"Fernando is a wonderful driver who would be a fantastic asset to any of the top teams, including this one," said team chief executive Nick Fry.

"The job Ross and I have is to build a world championship-winning team," he added.