Alonso announces split with singer wife

Fernando Alonso and his wife Raquel del Rosario have announced they are splitting.

Fernando Alonso, Renault F1 Team, Raquel Rosario Wife of Fernando Alonso

Photo by: xpb.cc

Then a Renault driver and reigning back to back world champion, Spaniard Alonso married del Rosario - lead singer for the Spanish rock band El Sueno de Morfeo - in 2006.

Earlier this year, 30-year-old Alonso - who now drives for Ferrari - moved from Switzerland to return to his native Asturias.

"We are separating from marriage, but never as friends", a joint statement issued by the couple said.

"We ask that the media respects our personal lives which, as you know, we have always been keen to protect."