Mark Webber might have signed a pre-contractual agreement with Ferrari, one of Spain’s leading F1 correspondents has revealed.
Raymond Blancafort, writing for El Mundo Deportivo, referred to widespread speculation in the paddock about Sergio Perez’s likely future alongside Fernando Alonso.
"There may be a pre-contract," he said, "but between Ferrari and Webber."
Australian Webber was also linked with Ferrari last year, before Red Bull decided to sign him up for another single season.
The 35-year-old was overshadowed by his teammate Sebastian Vettel last year, but he has begun the 2012 season more strongly.
And Webber warned before the 2012 season began that if Red Bull didn’t re-sign him for 2013, "I’d need something (else) competitive (to drive)".
"Being at the front, is certainly a big, big factor of me staying very hungry and motivated."
Ferrari may be looking to replace Alonso’s current teammate, the struggling team veteran Felipe Massa, for 2013.
"They (Ferrari) would be able to take advantage of his (Webber’s) experience, the consistency of his results and the fact that he gets along with Alonso.
"Interestingly, Webber is also still involved with Flavio Briatore", as is Alonso, Blancafort noted.