Renault have denied that they will supply cars to the new Prodrive team when they enter Formula One next year.

Following the breakdown in a proposed deal between Prodrive and McLaren over the FIA's decision to take David Richards' team to an appeal over using customer chassis in 2008, rumours surfaced that the British team had turned to Renault to save them.

The alleged deal was believed to not just involve a chassis supply, but also that of engines, effectively turning them into a B-team for the French manufacturer.

But team boss Flavio Briatore (pictured0 has bluntly denied any knowledge of such a deal.

"I don't know where this has come from," said Briatore. "We have had zero contact with Prodrive, and we are not in a position to supply another team at this point."

Renault already supply engines to Red Bull, and will do so again next season, leaving them without the resources to supply a second customer team, even just with powerplants.

Briatore also re-affirmed his stance that while he would love to re-sign two-time world champion Fernando Alonso next season, the Spaniard has not been released from his McLaren contract, which is scheduled to run for another two years.

"There has been a lot of talk but Fernando has a contract with another team for 2008," Briatore added.

"At the moment, he is focused on the championship battle, trying to win a third consecutive title. I have said before that if he was free we would be happy to have him back at Renault."

Renault are yet to tie down either of their current drivers, Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen, to a contract for next season.

Jamie O'Leary / Eurosport