> Bernie advises McLaren to consider Rosberg

Bernie Ecclestone has advised Mercedes-powered McLaren to plug the potential hole vacated by Fernando Alonso for 2008 with Nico Rosberg.

"If Alonso goes, I would pick Rosberg," F1's chief executive is quoted as saying by the German news agency SID.

"He speaks German and, in every other regard, would be a perfect fit," he added.

Ecclestone revealed at Fuji Speedway that he has been "told" that Alonso switching to Ferrari in 2009 - after a sabbatical - is a possibility.

Spaniard Alonso, however, ruled out missing next season, but admitted that the Ferrari option is also not likely.

"I don't have any news about Ferrari," he told the Spanish radio station Cadena SER after the Japanese Grand Prix.

22-year-old Rosberg, however - although under contract to Williams also for next year - seems keen on the idea of replacing him.

"Like Ferrari, they are a great team with much history," he said of McLaren. "One day, I would gladly drive for them."

Rosberg also insisted that he would get along well with potential teammate Lewis Hamilton, after they were teammates in their go-karting days.

Mercedes' Norbert Haug commented: "Nico is very much an impressive driver, who in the last two years with Williams has learned a great deal."