Alonso a candidate for Ferrari

With Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello contracted to Ferrari for another two year, the team isn't in a hurry to consider replacements. However, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has at least one driver in mind for when a vacancy arises: ...

With Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello contracted to Ferrari for another two year, the team isn't in a hurry to consider replacements. However, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has at least one driver in mind for when a vacancy arises: Fernando Alonso.

Fernando Alonso.

Photo by Nikki Reynolds.

The Spaniard climbed the ranks swiftly in his first competitive year with Renault in 2003, scoring his first pole and first win, and finishing sixth in the drivers' standings -- ahead of the more experienced David Coulthard and Jarno Trulli and only three points behind Ralf Schumacher.

"We can take our time in looking for a suitable driver, there is no need to rush," said di Montezemolo, according to Stern magazine. "Ferrari does not have space for inexperienced drivers but Alonso has great potential and is a candidate for the future. He is similar to Michael when he was at Benetton -- a fantastic talent that needs time."

The subject of Michael Schumacher retiring is one that people never seem to tire of and the six-time champion has no intentions of calling it quits just yet. But Di Montezemolo is certain Michael will stay with the Scuderia until the time comes for him to hang up his helmet. "If he does end his career it will be at Ferrari," he said.

Alonso is contracted to Renault until the end of 2005. Ferrari has also expressed an interest in McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen in the past, while Sauber's Felipe Massa and Giancarlo Fisichella are keen to attract the attention of the scarlet team.