Formula One:Lewis Hamilton's hopes of having good friend Nico Rosberg alongside him at McLaren next season appear to have been dashed after Williams issued a hands-off warning over the German.
Hamilton yesterday named Rosberg as one of three drivers he believes are competing to replace Fernando Alonso at McLaren next season — and has indicated his fellow 22-year-old would be his preferred option as team-mate.
But Williams director Patrick Head said in the Mail on Sunday: "Nico is contracted to our team for 2008 and we have an option for his services for 2009.
"We are planning to go into next season with Nico as our lead driver, and we would not entertain any approach from McLaren for Nico.
"McLaren are a team in a position to offer very large salaries, but our aim is to be looking to strengthen Williams."
Hamilton named Rosberg, son of 1982 world champion Keke, on a potential shortlist which also included Adrian Sutil or Heikki Kovalainen.
The latter would appear easiest to secure, with Alonso having been offered a deal by the Finn's Renault team for 2008.