Alonso breaks from McLaren

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

"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 Ferrari's new champion Kimi Raikkonen, has had a strained relationship with the Woking-based team.

Alonso, who left Renault to join McLaren and had two years left on his deal, is reported to be ready to return to drive for the French manufacturer next season.

Alonso had been due to discuss his future with McLaren boss Dennis after a season which saw him put in the shade by Hamilton.

Since the final grand prix of the season at Interlagos in Brazil Dennis has remained tight-lipped over the future of Alonso.

In what has been a troubled season for McLaren Hamilton lost the world title at Interlagos and the team were also involved in the 'spy scandal' which saw them fined £50million by the sport's governing body.

The FIA also threw McLaren out of the manufacturers' championship when the team was found to be in possession of technical information belonging to Ferrari.

During the FIA investigation it was alleged Alonso had threatened to go the FIA with sensitive information. This was denied at the time by Alonso's agent.

Alonso added today: "I continue to believe that McLaren is a great team."

But the Spaniard admitted there had been problems with the team during the season.

"Yes, we have had our ups and downs during the season, which has made it extra-challenging for all of us, and it is not a secret that I never really felt at home," he said.

"I know there have been suggestions of favouritism within the team and people say a lot of things in the heat of battle, but in the end I was always provided with an equal opportunity to win.

"Today's decision allows all of us to focus on 2008, and I wish the team, Vodafone, Banco Santander, Mutua Madrilena and all the other team partners who I have worked closely with during the year, the best for the future."

Dennis also admitted the team and Alonso had not been able to resolve their differences.

"He is a great driver but for some reason the combination of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and Fernando has not really worked out, and in the end we reached a stage where none of us could find a way to move forward," said Dennis.

"We all believe that our joint decision to part company is for the best, and we will now continue to focus on our 2008 world championship challenge."