Mateschitz: Alonso not an option for RBR

Alonso's name has been linked several times with a move to Red Bull Racing in recent weeks, even though many expect the Spaniard to end up at Renault following his departure from McLaren.

But Mateschitz has scotched those rumours, claiming that Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso already have their race drivers under contract for another season and that his team have no interest in taking Alonso on board for 2008 on the kind of deal the two-time champion is chasing.

"If there is speculation in the Italian media that Alonso is about to sign for Red Bull, I can only say - I know nothing about that," said Mateschitz in an interview with Swiss publication Motorsport Aktuell.

"Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso have four drivers under contract.

"From what I hear, Alonso is speaking to other teams about a one-year only deal. Such a deal is out of question for us. We would prefer to wait a year and prove that we can build a car which is capable of attracting one of the best Grand Prix drivers for 2009."

Mateschitz conceded that Red Bull would be an attractive option for Alonso in the future, but made it clear that the team would only take such a big name star from 2009 if it was on a long-term basis.

"Of all teams which Alonso would have to chose, we for sure would be an alternative with big potential," he said about the future.

"From his point of view, it is logical that he is looking for a contract that leaves him as much flexibility as possible.

"But that leads us into a conflict in interest between driver and team. We are looking for a two-year deal with an option for a third. We are looking for a common period of solid build-up."

Red Bull Racing have Mark Webber and David Coulthard under contract for next year, while Scuderia Toro Rosso will race with Sebastian Vettel and Sebastien Bourdais.