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Audi denies F1 and Alonso reports

Audi has no plans to enter Formula One in the short-term and has denied rumours it is in talks with Fernando Alonso about competing at the 2015 Le Mans 24 Hours.

The recent recruitment of former Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali led to speculation Audi was planning an entry to the sport. But Audi boss Wolfgang Ullrich has clarified Domenicali's appointment and insisted there are no plans to join the F1 grid in 2016.

"There is no decision that we are going in that direction," Ullrich told Autosport. "Audi has a motorsport programme that at the moment is based on the World Endurance Championship and the DTM, and we are working on the cars for next season. There is no other programme. Yes, [Domenicali] has joined Audi, but we haven't said yet what his job will be; no, he will not be involved in motorsport."

Ullrich went on to say there is "nothing decided" about an entry after 2016.

Alonso's future has been the subject of intense speculation for much of this season, especially after former president Luca di Montezemolo said the Spaniard will leave Ferrari at the end of 2015. As Alonso's ideal move would be as Lewis Hamilton's replacement at Mercedes in 2016, a sabbatical has been talked about that has led to suggestions he could team up with Audi during his year off - if he were to take one.

However, Ullrich categorically denied any contact with Alonso, who was the honorary starter of this year's Le Mans race.

"Mr Alonso was in our pit at Le Mans this year and that's it - there is no contact."

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