Diniz poised for Prost move

Ferrari sources say that Abilio Diniz has taken a shareholding in the French team as part of a deal which reportedly involves a multi-million pound bond to allow the supply of the Maranello-built V10s to go ahead.

In Malaysia the Sauber driver denied any knowledge of the fact that his father has acquired a major shareholding in Prost.

But four-time world champion Alain Prost, who owns the team, has been looking to replace major sponsor Gauloises, which pulled out of Formula 1 last month. The team needs to cover the £25m cost of the supply of Ferrari engines for two years.

"I know nothing about my father buying the team," said Diniz. "I have had very close contact with Prost for next year. It should be better than it was this year at Prost as they have the Ferrari contract.

"I don't know when it will go ahead, as there are still a lot of important decisions that need to be made."

Sauber boss Peter Sauber hinted he may take on Finn Kimi Raikkonen who has tested twice for the team after clinching the British Formula Renault crown.

"We are very impressed by him," said Sauber.