Vettel flattered by Domenicali's comments over partnering Alonso at Ferrari

Comments from Domenicali saying that the two world champions could "coexist" at Ferrari were published on the team's website after they appeared in German publications Sport Bild and Auto Bild.

That added fuel to rumours about Vettel moving to Ferrari in the future, and Alonso said he would have no problem with the German joining him at the team when he was quizzed about it in the Valencia paddock on Thursday.

When asked what he thought of the talk coming from Ferrari, Vettel told reporters: "It's very nice to hear that. I respect Ferrari a lot, I respect Fernando a lot. I see it as a compliment.

"I'm flattered, obviously. I've always said that Ferrari is a great team with a great history, a great tradition, in Formula 1 in particular. But as I've said before, I'm very happy with where I am at the moment."

Vettel added that he was not unsettled by rumours about the driver market, and he believes that none of his championship rivals can afford to get distracted by talk of the future.

"Does it unsettle me? No," he said. "If you want to have a word in this year's championship, you are much better off having all the focus on this year.

"As we have seen, it is extremely tight, a lot of races, a lot of winners. So I think I need all the focus on this year.

"Generally there is always something going round in the paddock. Just before Monaco, Mark [Webber] was linked to Ferrari. You [the media] will always find something to talk about."