Haug dismisses dual engine supply

Prost recently told Autosport: "We held detailed negotiations, right up to the point where we were editing the documents setting out all the details, but Mercedes did a U-turn at the last minute. No doubt that was due to pressure from McLaren who were insisting on their exclusive partner status."

In Melbourne on Saturday, however, Haug insisted: "I read that Prost said that there was paperwork and that we were supposed to sign, but I can state categorically that it was never there and that we always said we weren't in a position to supply a second team."

In view of suggestions that manufacturers should supply two teams, due for forthcoming discussion, McLaren boss Ron Dennis said: "We've talked endlessly about supplying two teams. We are not negative, it's just that it has to go through the correct procedures."

Haug added: "I think that whatever changes you plan, they have to be properly prepared and I don't think they have been. As far as I can see, there are seven manufacturers and so if we all supply two teams, that's 28 cars, which I don't see. So in that case we'd volunteer not to supply two teams."