Bernie Ecclestone tells Ferrari to sign Fernando Alonso

Bernie Ecclestone has advised Ferrari to consider a familiar face if they have a vacancy to fill for 2018.

Fernando Alonso's manager Flavio Briatore has said this week that, although the Spaniard appeared to burn his Ferrari bridges, the 35-year-old in fact only ever clashed with departed boss Marco Mattiacci.

When asked who Ferrari should sign if the team has a vacancy for 2018, former F1 supremo Ecclestone told Spanish newspaper ABC: "Alonso, of course. He is one of the best F1 drivers of all time.

Meanwhile, Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Ferrari have in fact got a 'verbal agreement' in place with Daniel Ricciardo in the event Sebastian Vettel leaves Maranello.