Minardi Play Down Buyout Rumours

Former Grand Prix driver Eddie Irvine, who is fronting the plans of a Russian businessman, is believed to have visited Minardi's factory on Wednesday to continue discussions, while Red Bull are expected to hold talks with Stoddart at Monza this weekend.

Speaking to Autosport-Atlas, Stoddart said that rumours he was on the verge of a deal to offload his team were wide of the mark.

"I don't know why all these rumours have kicked off again, but there is nothing new," he said. "Eddie (Irvine) has been to the factory before and came there before Imola.

"We are talking to his group and he has been back twice (to see us) before, but it is no different from the 41 other approaches we have had. I will talk to anybody who is serious."

The latest speculation in the Monza paddock is of a possible deal with Red Bull - with talks rumoured to be taking place this weekend.

Stoddart has also dismissed that suggestion - although sources claim that there is a chance of the team doing a deal with the energy drinks company to possibly run their drivers in the future.

"I have heard the Red Bull rumours and they are the kind of serious people that I would talk to," he said. "But at the moment the story doesn't have any legs - although that is not to say it won't have in the future.

"If the price was right and it was good for the future of the team I would sell."