Santander strongly linked to Ferrari

The Ferrari team has once again been linked to a possible partnership with the Santander banking group after the company’s president visited the Italian stands in Bahrain this weekend. Emilio Botin’s presence brings new rumors about the former world champion, Fernando Alonso, potentially joining the Scuderia, likely for 2011.

The Spanish newspaper Marca added that Botin also visited Flavio Briatore (Renault) because he is also Italian, as well as the McLaren motorhome. The two parties have an ongoing contract until the end of the season, signed at the beginning of 2007, when Alonso had joined the Woking team.

Spanish media also report that the banking group Santander, which took over Abbey in the UK in 2004 and Alliance & Leicester in 2007, is seeking a sponsorship deal with Ferrari for 2010. Fernando Alonso is announced with the Italian team a year later. At Renault, the Spaniard currently has a contract that also covers the next season.

Marca finally reports that Botin was seen talking with Bernie Ecclestone, as well as with Alonso.