Ferrari Dismiss Engine Deal with Honda

Honda might get closer to securing a buyout of their F1 operations, but should the Brackley-based team make it to the 2009 grid, they'll do so without benefiting from Ferrari engines. The Scuderia's team principal Stefano Domenicali revealed that, although some discussions have been carried out between the Ferrari officials and Honda's Ross Brawn, Ferrari will not provide the new team with the necessary power plants.

“I can tell you about the chances of giving Honda engines... the likelihood is close to zero,” admitted Domenicali at the unveiling of Ferrari's F60 car for 2009, held at Mugello earlier today.

Last week, Honda F1 Team's Brawn gave an interview to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in which he admitted having talked about the possibility of a future partnership between his team and Ferrari in terms of engine supply.

“Honda has already said it will not supply us with engines, so that's why I contacted Ferrari. We haven't signed anything yet but I really appreciated the support from president Luca di Montezemolo and Stefano Domenicali. It's like being among former schoolmates: they still see me as one of their own,” has revealed Brawn.

With Ferrari pulling out of a potential engine deal with Brawn's team, it now remains unclear whether the outfit will manage to put in place an engine package in time for the season opener in Australia. Honda is still searching for a buyer for their F1 operations, with the final 'pack of investors' being cut to twelve last week.

Ferrari's last engine supply deal ended shortly after the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2008, as the Scuderia parted ways with Force India following a disappointing first season for Vijay Mallya's team in 2008.