The Empty Seat Saga

Rumors continue to swell throughout the media about the fate of Fernando Alonso at the end of his first season at McLaren.

Alonso, just 2 points back in the points from teammate Lewis Hamilton, has been linked with a number of race seats next year outside of McLaren after just one season with the British team.

Leading theories involve Alonso's return to his former team of 6 years, Renault, or possibly a switch to sit beside Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari. The Ferrari move certainly spells bad news for current driver Felipe Massa. Following the Belgian GP where Massa was spotted hanging around the Toyota camp speculation began growing of the likelyhood of Alonso joining the Italian team and Massa getting bumped.

The point that everyone seems to be overlooking is what will become of the vacant seat at McLaren?

Does McLaren put test driver Pedro De La Rosa in for a season before singing new talent?

It would be unlikely for anyone to be brought up from a lack-luster GP2 season. McLaren could field a veteran and wait until the market for 2009 opens up with names like Kubica, Heidfeld and Sutil are all on the table. Regardless of their decision we must first wait to see what becomes of Alonso.

Kubica's 2008 Contract Finalized

BMW Sauber team boss Dr Mario Theissen revealed to the press this week that both of his current drivers will return for the 2008 season.

Though the public has been kept in the dark, Theissen revealed today that Kubica's contract had been inked immdediately following his horrific crash at the Canadian GP in June.

The team offered Kubica the contract as a means to boost his confidence and erase self doubt following the high speed accident he suffered.

BMW have proven strong this season and have a firm grasp on 3rd place in the Constructors Championship leading reigning double world champions Renault.

Heidfeld Stays With BMW for 2008

The BMW Sauber team have revealed that furry faced Nick Heidfeld will continue with the team in 2008. The 30 year old German will race next to youngster Robert Kubica for the teams' third season of F1.

Heidfeld's contract held an option for the 2008 season that the team decided to honor after his 42 point campaign and multiple top five finishes.

Kubica, 22, gained praise from team boss Mario Theissen as a rough diamond that needs to be polished (not Polished). With the proper training and a quality car Kubica can easily become a race winner and that's the type of support that a young race driver needs after just one complete year in F1.

BMW hope to step up development of their 2008 car to rival the top teams for race victories.