Planet-F1

McLaren rubbish Rosberg reports

Thursday 17th July 2008

McLaren have categorically refuted suggestions they are lining up Nico Rosberg as a new team-mate for Lewis Hamilton next season.

Willi Weber, who managed Michael Schumacher during his illustrious Formula One career, on Thursday stirred up a hornet's nest by stating Rosberg would leave Williams and replace Heikki Kovalainen.

"He has a clause in his contract Williams can surely not fulfil," said Weber, who currently manages the Grove-based team's test driver Nico Hulkenberg.

He added: "Rosberg will replace Heikki Kovalainen, who will change back to Renault."

The clause in question relates to Rosberg apparently being free to quit if Williams fail to finish fourth or higher in this season's Constructors' Championship.

That is despite the fact he would have another year to run on his current deal.

At the half-way stage of the season Williams reside in sixth place in the constructors' standings, nine points adrift of fourth spot currently occupied by Red Bull Racing.

But McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh has dismissed Weber's claims out of hand.

"We can confirm we have not had any contact with Nico Rosberg, or with his management, about him driving for us in 2009," insisted Whitmarsh.