McLaren is not yet resigned to losing its Spanish sponsor Santander, a major banking group, to championship rival Ferrari.

We reported recently that, even without Fernando Alonso in the Italian team's red car, Santander's likely switch from McLaren to Ferrari in 2010 is still on track.

The Spanish newspaper Sport said Banco Santander confirmed that, at the end of a three year contract with McLaren next year, the company does not intend to exercise an option to renew for a further two years.

But now the British newspaper Daily Mail claims that Santander would be reluctant to leave McLaren if Lewis Hamilton wins the 2008 title.

"McLaren are determined to prevent their backers ... defecting," the newspaper said.

A McLaren spokesman confirmed only that "Santander will be a McLaren partner next year".

The Daily Mail added: "It is understood that negotiations with Santander to broaden their involvement with the team are in progress."

Source: GMM