McLaren's Eric Boullier reiterated his belief that Fernando Alonso is on the verge of extending his contract for 2018.
All is going according to plan said the Woking-based team's racing director with negotiations centered around the new deal's details.
"Honestly, I don't think there are any special difficulties," Boullier said at Suzuka.
"We are already discussing the details of the contract, and as both sides have an intention to continue, I think we will be able to agree."
In the event that the two parties should fail to agree terms, Boullier hinted that McLaren junior and F3 champion Lando Norris could possibly step up to F1, while Stoffel Vandoorne said this week that he would be ready to lead the team if necessary.
"Is Stoffel ready?" Boullier asked.
"So far he has 15 races this season and one more before that," he explained.
"This is not a lot of experience. But if you see what he managed in the last three or four Grands Prix, it is clear that he knows how to use the full potential of the package.
"And that is helping the team a lot," said Boullier.
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
