Ecclestone wrong on Alonso-Ferrari claims

Contrary to his hints of the past, Bernie Ecclestone insists he is now not so sure that Fernando Alonso will move to Ferrari in the near future.

It has been reported time and time again that the Spanish driver is scheduled to move to the famous Italian team either next year or in 2011. But despite previously reinforcing the rumours, F1 Chief Executive Ecclestone now says: "They have told me that Alonso hasn't signed anything with Ferrari."

"They told me that I got it wrong," the Briton is quoted as saying at a gathering with Spanish reporters this week.

Ecclestone, however, did confirm that the Spanish bank Santander is moving to Ferrari next year.

Referring to Santander chief Emilio Botin, the billionaire said: "A long time ago we talked about it and I said it was logical: Ferrari is red, the same colour as your bank.

Ecclestone added: "As for Alonso, if he goes to Ferrari it would be because they think that he can be champion, not because of a sponsor."

Occasional Ferrari test driver Marc Gene says his countryman Alonso would be welcomed by the Maranello-based team. But following the company line he told the Spanish newspaper 20 Minutos: "The press keeps on saying it, but if you ask me I say Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa are great drivers."

F1 : Ecclestone wrong on Alonso-Ferrari claims - ALONSO - F1-Live.com