Vettel signs 2014 Ferrari pre-contract - reports

Two British newspapers on Sunday reported an explosive rumour about F1’s reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel.

The Independent on Sunday, and the Sunday Times, separately said the Red Bull driver has signed a pre-contract to join Ferrari in 2014.

"Insiders are adamant that the German has signed an option with Ferrari for 2014, subject to competitive form from the Prancing Horse stable for the rest of 2012," said the Independent.

The Sunday Times agreed, adding that Vettel’s current Mark Webber could also moving to Ferrari to replace Felipe Massa, but only for a single season in 2013.

Fernando Alonso’s Ferrari contract runs until 2016.

"It is not known whether the Vettel option is binding on either side, but if there is a one-year Ferrari vacancy for 2013, it strengthens the case for Webber being the man to fill it," said the Times.