Will former world champ replace Nick Heidfeld in 2009?

Most of the driver rumours so far this season have concerned Fernando Alonso. He’s a multiple world champion, yet he’s stuck in a car that isn’t good enough. That’s a perfect recipe for speculation and paddock whispers.

Is the Spaniard off to Ferrari in 2010? Has he already signed a pre-contract with the Italian team? Only Alonso and those closest to him know that.

If not Ferrari, then where else could Alonso go? The latest rumour claims that he might replace Nick Heidfeld at BMW Sauber. Heidfeld is really struggling to keep up with team-mate Robert Kubica; we doubt Alonso would experience that difficulty.

For his part, Kubica has poured petrol on the rumour. Asked by Spanish newspaper El Pais how he would feel about having Alonso as his team-mate, the Pole said:

“I would have no problem with that. I get along with him very well… I do not know what the future holds but, if we do both drive for BMW, we would have a lot of fun.

“We appreciate each other as drivers, but also as people. You know with him that when he says something, it is what he really thinks.”

Alonso and Kubica are firm friends, and often hang out together during race weekends. We’re not sure that putting them in the same car would do much for the health of their friendship, but it’s certainly a rumour that we can believe in. Do you? Vote below…