Marko denies Red Bull/Allison connection

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It emerged over the Japanese Grand Prix weekend that former Ferrari technical director James Allison could be tempted to join Red Bull Racing for 2017.

But Helmut Marko, the energy drink's motorsport boss, insisted that there was no truth to the rumors in an interview with German publication Auto Bild.

"This is utter nonsense," Marko said.

"We do not talk to him. We think he will probably go back to Enstone with Renault."

Speculation over Allison's future came about as a result of Red Bull allegedly seeking  an additional design head should Adrian Newey's part-time employment persist with the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

Marko also addressed rumors associated with Toro Rosso head of tech James Key, who has been associated with a move to Williams in replacement of the soon-to-retire Pat Symonds.

Marko did not rule out Key's eventual departure from Toro Rosso, but Symonds however was adamant the report was gossip.

"I read that," Symonds commented  at  Suzuka.

"I was quite surprised actually. It reminded me of Mark Twain, who said 'rumours of my demise are greatly exaggerated'. I think I take the same view on my retirement."

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