Jean Todt insists that a “zero per cent” chance exists of Fernando Alonso joining Ferrari for 2008.
But the Maranello based team’s boss is now not as adamant as he has been in the past about the Spaniard never driving a red car some time in the future.
“People have said that while I’m at Ferrari, Alonso can’t come. That’s not true,” Todt told the Spanish newspaper El Pais.
“I never said that. It wouldn’t be right. I am employed by Ferrari. If at some point I knew Ferrari was interested in signing Alonso, I’d say okay. I wouldn’t oppose it. My principal interest is Ferrari.”
World champion Alonso is openly unhappy at McLaren this year, and Bernie Ecclestone revealed apparent insider information earlier this weekend when he predicted a sabbatical in 2008 before a move to Ferrari the year after.
Todt’s latest comments also follow speculation of his falling out with Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, who is reportedly keen to unite the Prancing Horse with F1’s youngest ever world champion.
Todt admits that he was unimpressed with Alonso before he joined Minardi in 2001. Reportedly, the Spaniard reached a verbal long term deal with Ferrari before he dropped it and signed for Flavio Briatore.
“I didn’t like the way he acted with me,” Todt said.
“He’s got a lot better. He’s strong physically and mentally. As a driver I have great respect for him so I say ‘never say never’.”
