The Red Bull Racing team has confirmed that the rumours we have been hearing are far from true and that they are not close to a deal with double world champion Fernando Alonso in regard to a drive with their Milton Keynes based squad for the upcoming 2008 Formula One season.

While there may be some interest in having a driver of Alonso’s calibre at the helm, Dietrich Mateschitz confirmed that there is no way they would offer him a one year deal, the only thing the Spaniard is really interested in at the moment, and as they already have four drivers under firm contract, it wouldn’t be for another year anyway.

"If there is speculation in the Italian media that Alonso is about to sign for Red Bull, I can only say that I know nothing about it," he was quoted as saying to Motorsport Aktuell. "From what I know he is speaking to other teams about a one year deal only and such a deal is out of question for us. We would prefer to wait a year and prove that we can build a car which is capable of attracting one of the best Grand Prix drivers for 2009."

If Alonso did opt to go to Red Bull for 09, then the only deal on offer would be for a firm two years with an option for a third.