Unlike, the NASCAR Silly Season of 2008, Formula 1 hasn’t seen any real drama or excitement with driver swaps and changes as the paddock prepares for the 2009 season. But is that about to change?

As many F1 enthusiasts know, Fernando Alonso is calculating and plotting his next career move in order to place him back with a championship caliber racing team. Most motorsports’ analysts have assumed Alonso would stay at Renault for another year and then head to Scuderia Ferrari in 2010. But this may not happen – at least that is the opinion of Hans-Joachim Stuck; a famous Grand Prix driver in the 70’s who now heads up Volkswagen’s racing division. Stuck, who prior to his VW appointment was long associated with BMW, believes the German brand should strive for a long-term contract with Alonso to partner Robert Kubica.

As an avid Formula 1 follower, an Alonso-BMW deal may be the final element BMW requires to compete with the upper echelon Formula 1 organizations such as McLaren Mercedes and Scuderia Ferrari. But one must wonder will Alonso join another team which hasn’t yet proven their ability to challenge for a drivers’ championship. But then again, from BMW’s vantage point you certainly can’t argue with Hans-Joachim Stuck: “If you can secure an Alonso for the long term, then you must,” Stuck insisted. If BMW wants to increase their chances of convincing Alonso to commit – in the coming grand prix they better recapture the on-track performance they displayed earlier this season.

On a personal note, as a long-term fan of Fernando Alonso and a dedicated BMW driver; the combination of the two would bring a whole new excitement to the Formula 1 grid in 2009.