Formula 1 News

Red Bull: Dietrich Mateschitz confirms Alonso talks 

Dietrich Mateschitz has confirmed speculation that his F1 team is in talks with the double World Champion Fernando Alonso for a contract in 2008 season. Even if, Red Bull’s drivers Mark Webber and David Coulthard already under contract stated that they do not fear losing their seats, Austrian billionaire Mateschitz told Motorsport Aktuell that Red Bull is seeking at least a two year deal with the Spaniard.

Renault and Toyota are considered to be the only other teams in the running to ”acquire” Fernando Alonso next season. “We want a two year contract with Fernando with an option for a third,” Mateschitz said, adding that he sees the multi-year term as necessary. “What I hear is that he is negotiating with the other teams only for one year. Such a deal is for us out of the question. We would prefer to wait and demonstrate that for 2009 we can build a car that is capable of attracting one of the best Grand Prix drivers,” Mateschitz added.

Despite holding out for a multi-year deal, the 63-year-old team owner said he is hopeful that Alonso will consider joining his Milton Keynes-based outfit in 2008. “Of the teams that Alonso currently has to choose from, we are, in any case, an alternative with great potential,” he said.