Grapevine: Verstappen not in at Minardi

Minardi will not replace Malaysian driver Alex Yoong with former Arrows driver Jos Verstappen at the Hungarian Grand Prix this month despite rumours that the Dutchman is being lined up for the move.

Yoong failed to qualify his Minardi at last weekend's German Grand Prix, the third time he has been outside 107 percent of pole this season, and team boss Paul Stoddart admitted he may be replaced at the next race in Budapest.

But comments, allegedly coming from Verstappen and claiming he turned down the chance to step into Yoong's place this year, have been denied by the Dutchman's manager Huub Rothengatter.

"We never got an official approach and never started official negotiations," said Rothengatter. "I have not seen Paul Stoddart for months and months.

"We are discussing with them as we speak to any other team on the grid, so yes, we are talking to them. But we have not seriously talked about this."

Stoddart said he will discuss Yoong's position during the Formula One summer break, and could demote the 25-year-old to the position of test driver because of a lack of confidence.