Fernando Alonso wants to set up a professional cycling team, according to Italian and Spanish reports on Monday.

Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport, as well as the Spanish sports newspaper Marca, claim the Spanish champion is keen to establish a team in time for next season.

Alonso reportedly wants 2007 Tour de France winner Alberto Contador, who currently rides for the top outfit Astana, to front the team, to be backed by the 2010 Ferrari sponsor Santander.

Fernando Alonso is a cycling enthusiast, training in the recent winter period with fellow Spaniard and 2008 Tour de France winner Carlos Sastre’s Cervelo team.

Alonso also watched the beginning of this year’s Tour in Monaco and followed the stage in a chase car, and reportedly held talks there about his plans with Contador.