Rosberg's early departure?

Williams driver might not see out the final year of his contract

Last updated: 17th July 2008

nico rosberg williams 7/6/2008

Rosberg: Contract

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Nico Rosberg has poured doubt over his Williams future, claiming that even though he has a contract with the team that doesn't mean he'll be racing for them next season.

Rosberg's future has been the topic of much speculation in recent months with McLaren reportedly keen to sign the German when they lost Fernando Alonso at the end of last season.

With new driver Heikki Kovalainen yet to win a race so far this season, Rosberg is once again being linked to a McLaren race-seat for 2009, even though he is still under contract with Williams.

With Williams currently down in sixth place in the Constructors' Championship, the German is doing little to curb the rumours, telling Sport Bild: "I have a contract for 2009.

"It's like in football. Look at the situation of (Germany football player Lukas) Podolski. He has a contract for next season at FC Bayern - but will he be there?"

Rosberg, though, added that he would not even consider a move to another team unless he got the okay from team boss Frank Williams.

"I would only think about it if Frank agreed to release me," he said.

But McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh dismissed suggestions of a driver switch, insisting: "We can confirm we have not had any contact with Nico Rosberg, or with his management, about him driving for us in 2009."