Ferrari have praised Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya but denied approaching the Williams Formula One driver as a partner for world champion Michael Schumacher.
"We think Montoya is a good driver," the Ferrari website quoted team boss Jean Todt as saying.
"His first year in Formula One, at the wheel of a competitive Williams car was a positive one. However, Ferrari has never had any contact with him, either directly or indirectly.
"We do not wish to give any credence to those who might have an interest in promoting these rumours."
BBC Onlinereported yesterday that a source close to Williams, who have an option on Montoya for 2003, had said that Ferrari wanted Montoya next season as long-term replacement for four times world champion Schumacher.
Montoya's manager later brushed off the report.
"It's nice to know that other teams are interested but he is under contract to Williams," said Julian Jakobi.
Williams would not comment on a contractual matter, while a source close to the team suggested that the report might have more to do with Montoya's own salary negotiations with his current employers.
The Colombian, seen as a champion of the future, is believed to be paid far less at present than German team mate Ralf Schumacher, who is under contract to 2004.
Montoya made a big impression in his debut season with Williams, winning the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in September and pulling off the overtaking move of the year in Brazil against Schumacher.
He said last year that he would not be interested in switching to world champions Ferrari while Schumacher was there and recognised as the clear number one.