De la Rosa 'ready' for McLaren drive

McLaren have one seat available following the exit of two-time champion Fernando Alonso, who parted ways with the team following a turbulent year.

De la Rosa has been a McLaren test driver since the 2003 season, and the Spaniard has two years of his contract left to run.

The team, however, have made it clear that they are in no hurry to decide who will partner Hamilton next year, although de la Rosa is obviously eager to land the drive.

"At the moment the team is in no rush and neither am I. What's 100 percent certain is that I will be a McLaren test driver and that I have two years left of my contract," de la Rosa told El Pais newspaper.

"If the team needs a driver, I'm ready and willing, that's for sure."

De la Rosa also praised Alonso, but the Catalan refused to talk about his compatriot's future plans.

"It's a personal decision which I prefer not to discuss because I'm nobody to say anything. To me it was pleasure to work with him, he's a great champion," he added.

"Fernando is not my teammate anymore and it would be wrong to talk about his future."