Eventhough it's from Crash.net, I thought I would just chuck it in here for a read @Crash: Nico Rosberg could be in-line to replace the out-of-favour Felipe Massa at Ferrari in 2012, it appears, with reports that 'contact' has been made between the legendary Scuderia and the young German's management team. Despite a mini-resurgence in the last couple of races during which he has genuinely taken the fight to double world champion team-mate Fernando Alonso, the general consensus within the F1 paddock is that Massa's days in scarlet are strictly numbered, and that come season's end and the conclusion of his existing agreement with Ferrari, the Brazilian will be out of the Prancing Horse on his hoof, if you'll pardon the pun. Both injured Lotus Renault GP star Robert Kubica and Red Bull Racing ace Mark Webber have already been linked with filling Massa's shoes at Maranello – but it seems the pair could face another threat from Rosberg, who has impressively controlled Michael Schumacher at Mercedes Grand Prix since the record-breaking F1 legend's top flight comeback at the beginning of last year, routinely out-qualifying, out-racing and out-scoring the most successful driver in the sport's six-decade history. Now, claims Italian magazine Autosprint, Ferrari has been in 'contact' with Rosberg's management to enquire as to his contractual situation – with the 25-year-old understood to be on a three-year deal with Mercedes that expires at the end of next season. I know it's all just rumours but the same thing could be said about Alonso's transfer over there, all were just rumours until it really happend.
I quite like Rosberg, so I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I want him to do well and get into a top team but on the other, does it have to be Ferrari?
Question is do drivers want to be Alonsos team mate. History shows it's pretty much a one way ticket to no where.
All respect to Mercedes and all but they arn't really giving equal treatment to Nico lets be honest, we saw it last season with the numbers, extending the wheel base, aero etc... all to suit Michael. Of course this is the agreement the number 1 driver and team principal have agreed on for the future of Mercedes, but I just think they're expecting too much from one man. It's likely Mercedes are only interested with the Schumi project at this time and just forget the rest IMO. Nico isn't a Mercedes "product" like Di Resta, Schumi, Mika. So really Nico will only be used as a step in driver until either Paul is ready or by chance Schumi becomes the demi god again. Mercedes should really take the finger out of their backside and quick before they set themselves back a few years if Nico does leave. Taking the likes of Di Resta is an even bigger gamble than taking schumi. He would get more support with Ferrari than Mercedes if you ask me. Everytime Nico does well all you can hear is Ross and Haug talking about how Schumi did and how he will surprise everyone this race and after that and after that and after that. If Nico was outperforming Alonso they wouldn't be afraid to give him the number 1 if it meant winning the WDC for Italy. Compared with Mercedes who just shrug and put all their eggs with the old war horse, hoping he'll come back. If Mercedes were like Ferrari last year and gave Nico "number 1" early on, he probably would of beaten Massa on points for that year. Nico's really biting his lip at Mercedes because he is working his ass off and getting little reward for it. They seem more bothered losing Schumi than Nico. As a Mercedes fan I think this is bloody stupid wasting Nico's obvious skill.
Hamilton's done alright out of it. I can't see this happening. The two teams are very much on an even keel at the moment and I disagree with SilverArrow in that I believe Rosberg has parity with Schumacher at Mercedes, whereas he'd be a de facto number two if he moved to Ferrari. Also I don't think Ferrari's prestige is much greater than Mercedes from a German perspective, and both team are so rich that money shouldn't be an issue. Nico's better off at Mercedes.
You've all got it wrong. Rosberg is being lined up to join Massa, who is such a good loser. Ferrari have had a visionary moment. That naughty boy Alonso is being let go in favour of the nice boy Rosberg.
Rosberg would be cool, carm and confident...Alonso would be angry and frustrated most of the time. I think the two would go well together.
At the moment, I don't think we can read too much into this. Ferrari were just finding out how long Rosberg is contracted to Mercedes, and I'm sure he wasn't the only driver Ferrari have been in contact with. They want to keep their options open just in case Massa underperforms. As for Rosberg making a move a Ferrari in the future, I would love to see that. As I explained here, Rosberg should have a fast car, and a top teammate. He expected a lot more when he moved to Mercedes, and to see him in competitive machinery would be brilliant.
He would only be number two if Alonso was killing him in results which what happened to Massa, Nico is still being undervalued whatever results Schumacher gets. I've got nothing wrong with Schumi I'm a Mercedes/Nico fan and I wan't Nico to stay and all, but he has to be far better treated then last season. That's the thing he doesn't have parity with Schumi AG, if that was the case why did Mercedes increase the wheel base for Michael yet hinder Nico doing so, he also got on the podium the race before while Schumacher was still nowhere. People got their knickers in a twist when they thought Webber was getting treated badly at Red Bull. You put him in Mercedes with Michael and he would leave on the first day IMO. Yes Nico's place is stronger then last year with Haug and Brawn being more interested in him but In my eyes they're still treating him like ****, plain and simple.
