Renault’s Boullier denies Red Bull/Mercedes reports

Renault’s formula one team has rubbished rumours suggesting the pacesetting Red Bull Racing is set to switch engine suppliers for 2011.

The rumour has already been denied by Force India, who were apparently to the be the recipient of the Renault power plant next year while Red Bull moved to Mercedes.

Enstone based Renault is now majority owned by Genii Capital and essentially separate to the French carmaker, but team boss Eric Boullier nonetheless said those engine rumours are "nonsense".

The rumours have also been played down by Mercedes, as well as McLaren, who have the contractual right to veto a Red Bull/Mercedes deal.

Meanwhile, Boullier told the La Libre newspaper that Belgian GP2 driver Jerome d’Ambrosio, already with a relationship with Renault, is likely to test the F1 car in Abu Dhabi in November.

It is also reported that d’Ambrosio could test another car - possibly the Virgin - at the young driver test.

"He has shown lately that he deserves it. Let’s say it is a good option," said Boullier, also admitting that Czech driver Jan Charouz is a contender for the young driver test.

The team’s French boss also indicated that changes will be made to Renault’s young driver programme for 2011.

"It will continue but in another form. We are considering an academy, a bit like Ferrari’s, with young drivers able to test a (2009 F1 car) R29," said Boullier.