Grapevine: Honda deny Alonso rumours

Speculation about Alonso's future had moved up a gear earlier in the day when separate stories fuelled rumours that Honda could now be a likely destination for the Spaniard.

A report in German publication Sport Bild suggested that Alonso was on the verge of a deal with Honda for 2008.

The story said that the double world champion had not only spent a day at the team's Brackley factory, but had, according to one of the newspaper's sources, even had a seat fitting.

In a separate development to the Bild story, Alonso also became linked with Honda Racing when wild speculation surfaced that Rubens Barrichello was today due to visit Super Aguri with Ross Brawn for a seat-fitting.

Like many of the rumours surrounding Alonso's plans, however, both stories proved not to be true.

Reacting to the Bild story, a Honda spokeswoman said: "Fernando has not visited our factory, and Honda Racing confirmed their drivers for the 2008 season back in July."

The Barrichello/Super Aguri also proved to be wide of the mark. Autosport.com understands that Brawn did indeed attend Super Aguri's Leafield factory, but with another member of Honda Racing staff and not a driver in tow.

Alonso's manager said recently that he was in no rush to finalise his 2008 plans.