Fernando Alonso split: F1 driver confirms split from Raqueldel Rosario

By Daily Mail Reporter

Updated: 13:40 GMT, 21 December 2011

Formula One driver Fernando Alonso has announced he has split from his pop star wife after fiveyears of marriage.

The double World Champion and Spanish singer Raquel del Rosario confirmed their break-up inpress releases on their websites.

The pair are thought to have drifted apart because of work commitments.

'We are separating as a couplebut never as friends: Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso and Raquel del Rosario have confirmed theyare splitting after five years of marriage

A statement release by the couple read: 'After five years of marriage, we have decided to end ourrelationship as a couple. This has been a very though about and mutual decision.

'We are separating from marriage, but never as friends, and there is still a very strong affection andmutual admiration to ensure the happiness of the other.

'With this statement, addressed to all who follow our careers, we wish to bring an end to anyspeculation.

Putting on a brave face: Alonsowas seen yesterday with F1 pilots Marc Gene and Pedro Martinez de la Rosa at an event in Madrid,Spain

'With it, we ask that the media respects our personal lives which, as you know, we have always beenkeen to protect.'

The couple started dating in 2005 after Alonso invited the pretty brunette - lead singer for theSpanish rock band El Sueno de Morfeo - to perform at a concert to mark his first F1 title.

He told her afterwards on stage in front of thousands of fans: 'I am single and romantic.'

Sad news: Raquel posted the statement in Spanish on her website

Singing star: Raquel is a bigstar in her native Spain, where she is the lead singer for rock band El Sueno de Morfeo

They lived in Oxford before moving their residence to Switzerland.

Fiercely protective of their privacy, they only confirmed they were married two years after their2006 marriage.

Las Palmas-born Raquel, 29, was rarely seen at F1 races unlike Lewis Hamilton's ex NicoleScherzinger.

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