Red Bull supremo Dietrich MAteschitz, has admitted that Fernando Alonso will almost certainly not race for the team in 2008.
Mateschitz admits this is not because they do not want Alonso, that it is more a case that they have their 4 drivers sorted already and it would be near impossible to have a reshuffle across their 2 teams (Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso).
“If there is speculation in the Italian media that Alonso is about to sign for Red Bull, I can only say – I know nothing about that,” said Mateschitz in an interview with Motorsport Aktuell.
“Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso have four drivers under contract.
“From what I hear, Alonso is speaking to other teams about a one-year only deal. 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.”
Mateschitz did admit that having Alonso for 2009 would be a big, long term opportunity and one he would much like to see.
“Of all teams which Alonso would have to chose, we for sure would be an alternative with big potential,” he said about the future.
“From his point of view, it is logical that he is looking for a contract that leaves him as much flexibility as possible.
“But that leads us into a conflict in interest between driver and team. We are looking for a two-year deal with an option for a third. We are looking for a common period of solid build-up.”
