Monday 16 June at 14:34 : Seven races into the 2008 championship, F1's annual 'silly season' has found a higher gear.

The latest gossip from Italy is that Nico Rosberg, Williams' German driver who was courted by McLaren at the end of last year, has now triggered the interest of BMW-Sauber.

BMW's existing driver, the young world championship leader Robert Kubica, was asked by the newspaper La Stampa if he endorses the idea of farewelling Nick Heidfeld at the end of 2008.

"For me it wouldn't change anything," the Pole said. "It doesn't matter if it's Nick or it's Nico.

"My teammate is only one of the 19 drivers I have to beat.

"With regards to contracts, this is not my job so I leave it to others."

It has also been suggested recently that Kubica's quick and consistent form this year may even have stirred the interest of Ferrari.

Fascinatingly, the 23-year-old does not deny that it is most drivers' "dream" to move to the Italian squad.

"And if I am not mistaken, in Italy you have the saying, 'things come to those who wait'."