Formula One: Sebastian Vettel Could Join Fernando Alonso at Ferrari

Jun 22, 2012 02:35 AM EDT

Fernando Alonso could seat up next year with two-time Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel, after rumors regarding the German's move to the Italian team were re-ignited.

Add a link up with Lewis Hamilton, who is out of contract after this season, it adds further spice to an already thrilling F1 season.

Vettel, who is reported to have agreed on a pre-contract agreement with Ferrari for 2014, has a contract till the end of next season with Red Bull, but Red Bull's Helmut Marko admitted there is clause where in Vettel could leave the team a year early.

Asked about the rumors, Vettel said: "I'm flattered, obviously. I've always said Ferrari is a great team with a great history and a great tradition in F1, but I'm very happy with where I am at the moment.

"I respect Ferrari and Fernando a lot and I see it as a compliment if they take that into account. Does it unsettle me? No. The focus is on this season.

"Generally, there is always something going round in the paddock. Just before Monaco, Mark (Webber) was linked to Ferrari. You (the media) will always find something to talk about."

Alonso said would be happy to welcome any driver to Ferrari. "When I won the 2005 championship with Renault, I was linked to Ferrari immediately, and I arrived in 2010," he said.

"So, if Sebastian is linked now, maybe he'll arrive in five years' time. I don't know.

"I'm extremely happy with Felipe (Massa). Whatever team-mate comes in the future will be welcome, will be part of the team and part of Ferrari and, as I said, when I joined this team the most important thing in Ferrari is to help each other to make one red car win.

"It's something that president (Luca) Di Montezemolo is very clear on when you arrive on day one in Ferrari. So, whatever team-mate is coming in the future, if it comes, will be no problem and we will try to work as we are doing now with Felipe."

Earlier, Ferrari principal Stefano Domenicali fuelled the rumors by opening up the possibility of Vettel moving to the Italian team. "In life one should never say never. I think they are both intelligent guys and they could easily co-exist together."

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