Bernie Ecclestone has fueled the seemingly never-ending speculation that Fernando Alonso's longer-term future is with Ferrari.

The Italian team has Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen under contract for two more seasons, but La Gazzetta dello Sport recently claimed Alonso, Renault's world champion of 2005 and 2006, has penned an agreement to race a Ferrari in 2010 or 2011.

Massa and Raikkonen played down the rumours at the team's 'Wrooom' media event in the Italian Dolomites this week, but figures including Luca di Montezemolo and Stefano Domenicali have left the door open to a future collaboration with the Spanish driver.


And Ecclestone, F1's Chief Executive who is said to have flown into the Madonna di Campiglio ski resort for the Ferrari event, believes the Maranello team and Alonso will link up sooner or later.

"Fernando is probably the best in the world right now, and I would be very pleased if it happened," he told Italy's Sky TV . "I think he's faster than Lewis, Felipe and everyone else."

E.A, Source: GMM
© CAPSIS International

 

I can't say bernies wrong, Alonso's skill is immeasurable.

 

Wow, I really despise Bernie. Shouldn't he be at least trying to have an unbiased viewpoint on the racers? I don't feel it's fair for him to be picking favorites since he's the one calling the shots. Also, while I agree that Alonso is a fantastic driver, Hamilton, Massa and Raikkonen have been running circles around him for the past few seasons.

 

I would hardly say Alonso has been having circles run around him by Kimi, Massa, or Lewis. In 2007 he finished third in the WDC (him and lewis tied on points and there was a tie breaker). In 2008 in the last 8 races he got 48 of his 61 total WDC points. Alonso was the hottest driver in the second half of the season.

 

Alonso is such a crybaby that I can't help but hate him. I watched the 2007 year in review video the other day, and it just made me dislike him more.

 

if you look at the various sector times comparing the drivers bernie is spot on. alonso needs to be in a red car soon though, his talents are wasted at renault.

 

why do you think that is?

 

+1 He's a bum.

 

In terms of personality he's probably the worst. Is it right for Bernie to state his opinion when he is at the helm of F1? I wouldn't. But as a driver Fernando is the closest thing to perfect when compared to the rest of the grid he's every engineers dream for what he brings in invaluable data to set up and develop the car everyone says that he's always the first person to set foot on the circuit and the last to leave.... Love him or hate him his dedication and talent command respect

 

so if Masa and Kimi finish 1,2 this year they are going to kick one out for this guy?