Pedro de la Rosa has told McLaren that he would support Fernando Alonso’s quest for a third successive drivers’ title if handed the 2007 race drive.
The last remaining competitive seat on next year’s formula one grid is a contest between the 35-year-old Spanish veteran, who replaced Juan Pablo Montoya at the Woking team this year, and GP2 champion Lewis Hamilton.
De la Rosa told the Spanish newspaper Diario As this week: “I want to help Fernando to win.”
He admitted that Briton Hamilton, 21, is probably favourite to land the drive, despite indications from corporate Spain that an all-Spanish lineup could further bolster McLaren’s finances for 2007.
“Hamilton grew up with McLaren and Ron Dennis over the last ten years,” de la Rosa conceded, “so it is a hard fight for me. But anything can still happen.”
McLaren will announce its decision before Christmas, with de la Rosa already promised either a race or test role.
The veteran of Pedro De La Rosa grands prix said the three tests before Christmas will therefore be ‘very interesting’.
“I think I would be a good complement to Fernando,” Spanish sports daily ‘Marca’ also quoted Pedro de la Rosa as saying.
He added: “We want to be champion. We want to win and I am of the opinion that I can help Fernando.”
GMMF1
DailyF1News.com
