The sports daily AS said the 26-year-old would receive 42 million euros (61 million dollars) a year over his two-year contract at Renault.
MADRID: Spanish newspapers Tuesday hailed the return of 'prodigal son' Fernando Alonso to Renault and suggested the two-time Formula One champion could get a "stratospheric" salary at the French team.
The sports daily AS said the 26-year-old would receive 42 million euros (61 million dollars) a year over his two-year contract at Renault, which would make him the highest paid driver in the sport's history.
Other Spanish newspapers gave lower estimates. El Mundo said it will be a 'stratospheric' salary of 35 million euros, while La Vanguardia put the figure at 25 million euros.
Marca reported Alonso would get 30 millions dollars (20 million euros), and El Pais said the 'prodigal son' was looking at 16 million euros per year.
Alonso announced his return to Renault on Monday, ending speculation over his driving plans for the 2008 season. The length and conditions of the contract were not revealed.
He won his two titles in 2005 and 2006 with the French team before moving to McLaren with whom he finished third in this year's title race behind Kimi Raikkonen and teammate Lewis Hamilton.
Alonso ended his contract early with McLaren after a turbulent time with a spying scandal and a fractious relationship with Hamilton and team boss Ron Dennis.
Spanish newspapers predicted a new world title under Renault team boss Flavio Briatore.
Marca called it a 'return to the future,' with 'the aim of a new world title in 2009,' if Renault's new R-28 car proves competitive.
The ABC newspaper said Alonso obtained a guarantee in his contract that he would be the number one driver over teammate Nelsinho Piquet, to avoid the tensions he experienced with Hamilton at McLaren.
Spanish media said Alonso would have the chance to get out of his contract after one year if things were going badly for him.
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