Gerhard Berger predicts a shining formula one career for Sebastian Vettel.

Toro Rosso co-owner Berger, the winner of ten grands prix in the 80s and 90s, will lose the 21-year-old to senior team Red Bull in 2009.

But even though his Faenza based outfit must plot its future without Vettel, Austrian Berger is not short on praise for the German youngster.

"Quite simply, he is far above the level that he should be at for his level of experience," the 48-year-old told Sport Bild.

"There is nothing he cannot do even now. I am absolutely sure that Vettel will be world champion one day," Berger said.

Ferrari-powered Toro Rosso has potentially two race seats available at the end of this season, and Berger makes no secret that - given a free driver market - another German would be atop his wish list.

Referring to Williams' Nico Rosberg, Berger said: "At the moment we are not seeing his full value.

"The progress of Williams cannot keep up with the progress of Rosberg," he insisted. "He is ready for the next step."

Source: GMM