UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Honda admits interest in Heidfeld

Alonso rejects drive

Sep.30 (GMM) Nick Heidfeld could be set to move from BMW-Sauber to Honda for the 2009 season.

The struggling Japanese team's chief executive Nick Fry told spox.com that he is keeping an eye on the availability of the 31-year-old German, whose inconsistent form this year has cast doubt on his future.

It is believed that Jenson Button will definitely be retained by Brackley based Honda next year, but team chiefs have been weighing up their options for the seat currently occupied by veteran Rubens Barrichello.

Honda's most high profile target was Fernando Alonso, but the Spaniard is now widely expected to stay at Renault.

"I've already spoken with Nick, and more than just saying 'hello'," Fry is quoted as admitting.

The Briton also confirmed rumours that 2008 GP2 runner-up Bruno Senna is in the frame, even though it is believed team boss Ross Brawn is pushing for an initial test driver contract.

"He has the name, he has the genes," Fry said.

Wilder speculation, repeated in the authoritative French sports daily L'Equipe, is that Toro Rosso has thrown in a serious bid to sign the available Alonso next year.

"Of course I am interested (in Alonso), but so is everybody else," team co-owner Gerhard Berger said, admitting that his Faenza based team cannot compete with the financial incentives offered by its rivals.

Honda's Fry, meanwhile, advises Alonso to spurn BMW-Sauber's advances.

"Fernando found that McLaren is rigid, and BMW is even worse," he said.

Written: Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:32:57