autoevolution
 

McLaren Positive of Alonso's Move to Ferrari in 2010

As they are still to make their decision on the drivers lineup for 2010, McLaren Mercedes are well aware of the fact that their rivals in the championship will strengthen their own lineups next year. And the main team Martin Whitmarsh is referring to is Ferrari, as the British boss believed Fernando Alonso's moving to Maranello is already a done deal for the upcoming season.

We all know that Fernando Alonso's move to Ferrari will have a ripple effect on other teams. It opens up the driver market. We are not in talks with any other drivers at the moment, but are obliged to have the most competitive cars and drivers that we can,” said the British boss in a recent interview with BBC Five Live.

Heikki Kovalainen is yet to be confirmed by the Woking based team for the upcoming season and, with Nico Rosberg still stalling for his 2010 contract, it doesn't seem like the Finn's staying at McLaren will be prolonged until the end of next year.

However, some extra options have now appeared on the drivers' market, following BMW's departure from the sport. Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld are now looking for a place to drive next year, and they're both competitors one would rather have in his team than against it. Kubica has already been linked with a move to Renault, which would make Briatore let go Alonso more easily to join the Scuderia.

As far as McLaren goes, it's no news that Mercedes wants a German driver to partner Lewis Hamilton in the series, and Rosberg has been targeted by the Stuttgart officials for some time now. After failing to sign the German driver two years ago – when Alonso left McLaren for Renault – due to contractual problems, it's hard to believe Rosberg will miss another opportunity to drive for the silver arrows, especially since he's now a free agent for 2010.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories