Jul.29 (GMM) Norbert Haug, the racing boss of Mercedes-Benz, has hinted once again that formula one partner McLaren is not looking to replace Heikki Kovalainen ahead of the 2009 season.

Despite the Finnish newcomer's difficult start to his career at the team this year, Haug said a couple of weeks ago that Kovalainen is a "star in the making".

But Willi Weber, the manager of Williams test driver Nico Hulkenberg, recently stirred up speculation about the future of McLaren's lineup by suggesting that Nico Rosberg might soon be making his way to the Woking based team.

"It can be assumed that Kovalainen is staying with us," Haug is quoted as saying by the German press agency dpa.

However, the Mercedes chief stopped short of saying McLaren's 2009 driver lineup is already set in stone.

The German said the outfit does not feel under "pressure" to confirm its plans. "There is no deadline," Haug added.