Fernando Alonso has confirmed having an input with Ferrari as to any potential new team-mate.
Whether his views are taken on board is another matter, but such is the Spaniard's standing within the Maranello-based marque, he feels he can at least express an opinion.
Alonso found himself being quizzed in Valencia ahead of Sunday's European Grand Prix after team principal Stefano Domenicali this week suggested the 30-year-old and fellow double world champion Sebastian Vettel could "easily co-exist together" at Ferrari.
It again paved the way to speculation that Vettel, who currently has a contract with Red Bull Racing through to the end of 2014, will eventually move to Ferrari.
Addressing the subject of one day partnering Vettel, Alonso said: "With Ferrari rumours are always the same.
"When I won the 2005 championship with Renault I was immediately linked to Ferrari - and I arrived in 2010.
"So if Sebastian is linked now, maybe he'll arrive in five years' time. I don't know.
"But every summer it is the same with Ferrari, and at the moment we repeat the same thing, that we're extremely happy with Felipe (Massa).
"Whatever team-mate comes in the future will be welcome, will be part of the team and part of Ferrari.
"As I said when I joined this team, the most important thing in Ferrari is to help each other to make one red car win.
"It's something president (Luca) di Montezemolo is very clear on when you arrive at Ferrari.
"So whatever team-mate comes in the future - if he comes - will be no problem, and we will try to work together, as I do now with Felipe."
Asked specifically whether he previously had any involvement at any other team when it came to selecting a team-mate, Alonso said: "In the past, never. At Ferrari, yes.
"I'm in Italy every week, so when I'm there sometimes I see the president, I see Stefano and we talk about many things, about the future and team-mates as well."
But should Alonso state he wanted to work with a specific driver, he expressed "doubt" Ferrari would listen to him.
Alonso, signed up to Ferrari through to the end of 2016, added: "It's an open chat, we talk, but in the end it's their decision."
However, it at least led to Alonso suggesting he would have no issues working with Vettel, or even Lewis Hamilton again.
The duo endured a torrid relationship during their time together at McLaren in 2007, although there is a healthy respect between them these days.
From the perspective of Vettel, who has previously remarked he would love to drive for Ferrari one day, he has admitted to being "flattered" by Domenicali's comments.
Vettel said: "I've always said Ferrari is a great team with a great history, and with a great tradition in Formula One in particular.
"But I'm very happy with where I am at the moment."
