Ecclestone hopes to see Alonso in Ferrari in Valencia

Bernie Ecclestone said yesterday that he hopes Ferrari will choose Fernando Alonso as a replacement for the injured Felipe Massa for the next European Grand Prix. According to the Spanish press with Renault excluded from the Valencia race, the two-time world champion could be called up by Ferrari in light of his possible move in 2010.

Furthermore, the organizers of the European Grand Prix have already expressed concern about the possible absence of local idol, Fernando Alonso.

"If Renault let Alonso free and if Ferrari wanted to sign him, it would be the best thing for Formula 1, for Valencia and for everyone," Ecclestone told Auto Bild.

An FIA spokesperson has meanwhile confirmed that only Renault has been excluded from the event while its drivers are free to race.

"Alonso in Ferrari in Valencia is a great idea" declared the three-time world champion, Niki Lauda. "Ferrari should at least try. It would be positive for the Scuderia, for Spain, for Alonso and for Formula 1" declared the Austrian.

Lauda however pointed out that Flavio Briatore will probably have the last word, despite the Spanish newspaper AS claiming that if Renault does not make a car available to the Spaniard in every race weekend Alonso can define himself as free from any obligation.