GreenBkk Formula 1 | 'Vettel won't join Ferrari with Alonso there'

'Vettel won't join Ferrari with Alonso there'

Sebastian Vettel may dream of racing for Ferrari but Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko says it won't happen as long as Fernando Alonso is with the Scuderia.

Vettel became F1's youngest World Champion in 2010 when he pipped Ferrari driver Alonso to the crown in the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP.

The German's achievements once again sparked rumours that Vettel could be on his way to Ferrari in the not-too-distant future with the Italian outfit reportedly wanting him to replace Felipe Massa in 2012.

And although Marko admits all drivers want to race for Ferrari, he believes Vettel won't make the move while Alonso is still there.

"It's a natural thing that a race-car driver dreams of Ferrari and Ferrari would want a great driver like Sebastian," Marko told The Bild.

"Sebastian will not forsake us just for the Ferrari legend. He is smart enough to know that the circumstances would have to fit.

"He will not swap to Ferrari as long as Fernando Alonso is there - otherwise he would be stupid."

He added: "We are the World Champions, and as long as we offer Sebastian a package that is better than the others, he's not going to leave just because of a mythical history."

But it is not just Red Bull's World Champion whom Ferrari want. Already the team has signed Red Bull's Neil Martin, who will take charge of the new Operations Research department.

"Ferrari made a great effort to take our technical people but the main actors have remained," Marko said.

"This is important because we have a unique spirit within the team. I almost feel that Ferrari want to poach our team spirit."

Looking ahead to this year's Championship, Marko is adamant that Vettel can retain the title, just as long as Red Bull cut down on their mistakes.

"Last year, Sebastian lost 66 points because of technical issues. And these points we gave to Fernando Alonso.

"If, this year, we get rid of the bad luck and mistakes we will defend the title.

"There then there is Sebastian himself - the World Champion. He is a year more mature and it will show on the track."

Credit: PlanetF1.com (www.planetf1.com)