De la Rosa to replace Alonso?

UPDATE #2 We are downgrading this rumor to 'speculation.' Pedro de la Rosa has basically excluded speculation that he could be in the running for departing Fernando Alonso's vacant Renault seat in 2007.

The Spaniard is now almost guaranteed his current McLaren ride until the end of the season, and he is also faintly in with a shout to drive on beyond 2006.

But to rumors that Renault sponsor Telefonica want to replace Alonso next year with another Spaniard, 35-year-old de la Rosa commented: ''All I can say is that my future is very much bound to McLaren.

''I can't say anything else.''

08/26/06 This rumor is upgraded to 'strong' today. Ron Dennis has confirmed Spanish media reports that said Pedro de la Rosa was almost certain to retain his McLaren race seat for the balance of the 2006 season.

''The place to develop young drivers is not in the pressure of grand prix racing,'' the Mercedes-powered team's British principal, relaying the reason for not giving GP2 protégé Lewis Hamilton a race, told reporters on Saturday.

08/26/06 Current McLaren substitute Pedro de la Rosa is now being linked with the 2007 seat to be vacated by countryman Fernando Alonso at Renault.

According to speculation in Istanbul, Spanish team sponsor Telefonica is keen to replace Alonso with another Spaniard, even though Flavio Briatore is believed to be pushing for test driver Heikki Kovalainen alongside Giancarlo Fisichella.