Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa says compatriot Fernando Alonso should have no worries about joining McLaren from Renault in 2007 despite the team's disappointing performance this season.
Alonso, the world champion, signed a deal with McLaren last year but since then Renault have kept on winning while his future employers have slipped out of contention for the championship.
While paddock whispers have suggested Alonso might be having second thoughts about the wisdom of his move, De la Rosa was convinced they are groundless.
"I always think that in Formula One, as a race driver, there are basically two teams that are consistently quick over the 10 years," said the McLaren test driver who has replaced Juan Pablo Montoya in the race line-up after the Colombian's decision to switch to NASCAR.
"McLaren Mercedes are definitely the team to drive for long term, always."
"For two races we've had bad results, but come on. You have to look more at the future. Fernando is an intelligent driver," said De la Rosa.
The 35-year-old is making his second race appearance of the season at this weekend's German Grand Prix after replacing Montoya in France this month.
While he would love to continue racing next season, he knows an all-Spanish line-up is unlikely with young Britons Gary Paffett and Lewis Hamilton in the frame if Kimi Raikkonen moves to Renault or Ferrari.
"I don't see why not," he said of the possibility of partnering Alonso, however. "But that's something that the next races will give us more indication [about].
"But I'm not really looking at next year, I'm looking at next weekend. Whatever will happen, will happen."
De la Rosa said he is not worried about the possibility of Paffet replacing him later the season if the team decided to test their options.
"It's not my decision. The only thing I can do is just jump in the car and do a good job. Whatever the team does, will be done," he declared.
"Rumours are part of anyone in Formula One's life, it's normal. It's a British team and the British press are always pushing for British drivers. In Spain, they push for Spanish drivers."
