Nigel Roebuck: Fifth Column

Last saturday's traditional Stars & Cars - the end-of-season celebration hosted by Mercedes-Benz - was never likely to include Fernando Alonso, and the matter was put beyond doubt the day before, when McLaren and the former world champion confirmed their parting of the ways. In Stuttgart Lewis Hamilton, ever the diplomat, said he wished Fernando 'all the best'.

While Alonso contemplates his future, so McLaren must give thought to his replacement for 2008. At the weekend, Hamilton spoke of the possibilities, eccentrically including his good friend Adrian Sutil, along with Nico Rosberg and Heikki Kovalainen, but my understanding is that Messrs Dennis and Whitmarsh are in no great hurry to make a decision. Williams have made it clear they would not welcome an approach for Rosberg's services (no surprise there), while Kovalainen will come into the picture only if Alonso decides on a return to Renault.