The first rumors about the 2009 season emerge

New rumors from German sources suggest a new rapprochement between McLaren and Nico Rosberg, who would replace Heikki Kovalainen next season.

Speculation about Rosberg’s future erupted this Wednesday when Michael Schumacher, who works with Willi Weber and also manages Williams test driver Niko Hülkenberg, claimed that Rosberg would be on the transfer market at the end of the year.

Weber said of Rosberg: « There is a clause in his contract at Williams that he certainly cannot fulfill …. Rosberg will replace Heikki Kovalainen, who will return to Renault. »

Rosberg refused to comment on these rumors when asked about the matter during the traditional Thursday press conference preceding a Grand Prix, in this case at Hockenheim. He insisted that he was not part of the Woking team’s plans for next year.

McLaren F1’s CEO, Martin Whitmarsh, stated: « We can confirm that we have not had any contact with Nico Rosberg or, in any case, regarding his future for 2009. »

Even if Weber’s predictions regarding McLaren turn out to be false, the goal has been achieved. The German is potentially available for next year.

It seems that Rosberg’s place at Williams for the 2009 season depends on the team’s final position in the constructors’ championship. The 4th place remains the team’s goal.

And this departure of Rosberg would potentially leave a seat vacant and available for Hülkenberg.