McLaren's Fernando Alonso of Spain celebrates on the podium after finishing third in the Brazilian Grand Prix at the Interlagos racetrack in Sao Paulo Oct. 21, 2007.(Xinhua/Reuters File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Dec.4  -- Double world champion Fernando Alonso could take a year out of Formula One in 2008 and still come back as a title contender, Red Bull's David Coulthard said on Monday.

    "I don't think it would be a problem for him to take a year out," the Briton told reporters at a presentation for the December 16 'Race of Champions' at Wembley Stadium, where the turf has been replaced by an asphalt circuit.

    "(France's Alain) Prost was the last guy to do that, he took a year out and came back and won the world championship," added the Scot.

    "If you can get yourself into one of the best two cars, then of course you've got a great chance of winning the championship."

    Spaniard Alonso, beaten into third place by 22-year-old rookie team mate Lewis Hamilton in the championship, split with McLaren after a controversial and acrimonious season that ended in October.

    He has yet to be confirmed elsewhere, despite rumours linking him to Renault, Red Bull, Honda and Toyota.

    His former team Renault remain the most likely bet but Alonso may be waiting until after an FIA hearing on Thursday into allegations that they had McLaren technical information in their possession.

    Similar allegations by Ferrari against McLaren cost the latter team a 100 million dollars fine in September and the loss of all their constructors' points.

    Spanish newspapers have reported that Alonso wants a one-year deal to allow a possible move to Ferrari in 2009 while interested teams are demanding he signs up for at least two seasons.