NOVEMBER 21, 2000

Briatore dismisses Alonso speculation

BENETTON boss Flavio Briatore has dismissed reports linking Minardi's teenage sensation Fernando Alonso with a possible drive at his team.

Alonso has been linked with many Formula One teams in recent week, including Ferrari, and he is becoming the most sought-after youngster in the sport.

Briatore was reported to have offered a Supertec engine deal to Minardi in exchange for Alonso.

But Briatore denied the rumors saying: "Alonso? I don't know anything about that! It is all rumors to me."

Benetton have already confirmed Australian Mark Webber as understudy to Giancarlo Fisichella and Jenson Button for the 2001 season.