Fernando Alonso is unlikely to return to the cockpit of a Renault single seater until the new year.

The Spanish newspaper Sport reports that Renault will begin its winter test programme in Barcelona next week, as will most other teams, without the former double world champion.

The 27-year-old, and other notable race drivers, will probably not reappear at test circuits until January, when the new 2009 cars begin to arrive.

However, Alonso is believed to have left the door open to possibly testing at Jerez in December, when many of the key attributes of the 2009 regulations will be up and running on the existing car.

Until then, Alonso plans to spend his time at his Swiss residence in Mont-sur-Rolle, and at his parents' house in Spain.

Renault's 2009 car is expected to be launched towards the end of January.

Source: GMM