Grapevine: Honda dismiss Brawn speculation

"We are absolutely intrigued by that one and I can categorically say that, apart from chatting with Ross on social pleasantries, there's been no contact whatsoever on a professional basis," team boss Nick Fry told a news conference at the Chinese Grand Prix on Friday.

"I think you can firmly put that one to bed."

Brawn, who has guided Michael Schumacher to seven championships with Benetton and Ferrari, appeared equally puzzled by the paddock rumour.

"I really don't want to comment until the end of the season, and then we can make things clear," he told reporters when asked about his future.

"But I'm very happy at Ferrari and I'm certainly not entertaining going to another team. But all will become clear at the end of the year."

The Briton has already hinted at managerial changes afoot at Ferrari in the post-Schumacher era while, as revealed by autosport.com, he will take a year's sabbatical.