Rosberg on move as driver market kicks in

The politics which have dominated Formula 1 appear to be more under control now and as a result the talk here in the paddock is all about drivers m...

The politics which have dominated Formula 1 appear to be more under control now and as a result the talk here in the paddock is all about drivers movements for next season.

Normally this subject is top of the agenda at this time of year, but teams and journalists have been too tied up dealing with possible breakaways.

One move which seems to be on the cards is Nico Rosberg to BMW in place of Nick Heidfeld. The 24 year old is in his fourth season with Williams and clearly feels it is time to move on. He said yesterday in the press conference that he is happy at the team but that he is reviewing all his options. BMW has had a very poor season, but prior to 2009 they were front runners and Rosberg is gambling that they will throw a lot of effort at building a fast car for 2010. Rosberg and Robert Kubica know each other well as they raced against each other extensively in karts.

One name doing the rounds as a replacement for Rosberg at Williams is Rubens Barrichello. He has revitalised his career this season, running Jenson Button close in the Brawn car and although they might like to keep him for his technical ability, they may need to look for a young driver with sponsorship for next season as the Honda money dries up. Williams is an admirer of Barrichello's work. Rubens is 37 but still going strong.

It is looking increasingly likely that Fernando Alonso will move to Ferrari at the end of this season, with the announcement expected in November, at the same time as Spanish bank Santander join the team. Alonso would replace of Kimi Raikkonen, although the Finn is holding out for a big payoff, which is believed to be in excess of €25 million, as he has another year on his contract. As Ferrari would have to pay Alonso a similar sum, that would put a sizeable hole in their 2010 budget.

Another driver whose name is being linked with Ferrari by my Italian colleagues is Sebastien Buemi. Not immediately, but as a possible driver for the future.