BMW exit has not spoiled Rosberg's future plans

Nico Rosberg on Thursday indicated the impending withdrawal from Formula One of BMW has not spoiled his plans for next season.

It was rumoured that the Williams driver was eyeing a switch to the Hinwil based team next year, but the stronger speculation suggests a berth alongside Lewis Hamilton at McLaren.

Asked by reporters at Valencia about the BMW news, Rosberg answered: "It's one clear option less, that's pretty obvious, but I am still very pleased with my situation."

He said he wouldn't mind partnering the reigning world champion Hamilton, whose current teammate Heikki Kovalainen's future at McLaren is under a cloud.

"I am close to having a clear picture now of what the options are, I'm still gathering a few bits and pieces," said Rosberg. "I had a discussion with Williams last week to clarify what the situation is."

He has been flattering about his current employer at recent races, but said his ultimate ambition is to begin to appear regularly on the podium - including on the top stop - beginning in 2010.

"The next step is a very important one and I need to judge where I am going to get the highest chance of getting that," said Rosberg.

He said McLaren is "one interesting possibility".

"But there's no point (in the media) writing about them in any way more than any other team because the direction is not decided by any means," he insisted.