Oct.9 (GMM) Toro Rosso rookie Sebastian Vettel's sensational run to fourth place in the Chinese grand prix has sparked rumours in Germany that he may become a contender for a McLaren seat in 2008.



If Fernando Alonso leaves the Mercedes powered team as expected after next weekend's Brazilian finale, impressive young racers including Nico Rosberg and Heikki Kovalainen are being tipped as most likely to fill the spot next year alongside Lewis Hamilton.



But with Vettel extraordinarily scoring five points for the struggling Toro Rosso team in Shanghai, Europe's largest newspaper Bild said the 20-year-old should also be a candidate for the silver seat.



"It is obvious that as soon as a German driver shows a very good achievement, it is speculated that he will drive soon for the Silver Arrows," Mercedes' competition director Norbert Haug said.



"But at the moment there are no discussions (with him)."



Vettel has a contract with Toro Rosso until 2009, and for 2010 BMW-Sauber has first call on summoning the German back to the Swiss based team.