Alonso (right) has won comparisons with Schumacher this year

"Michael has a contract with Ferrari until 2006 and he is certainly going to see it out," Willi Weber said.

Renault added: "Fernando Alonso is under a long-term contract to the team which includes the 2005 season."

Alonso's agent, Adrian Campos, said the reports were "just speculation", but added: "In 2005 anything's possible."

The remarks come in response to reports in Spain on Tuesday.

Alonso became the youngest ever Grand Prix winner in Hungary in August, and is placed sixth in the driver's championship going into the season-closing Japanese Grand Prix.

The more I'm involved in this sport the more I enjoy it Michael Schumacher

Weber said he did not know whether Ferrari were aiming to bring Alonso in as a replacement for Rubens Barrichello.

But added that he hoped the Brazilian would stay on as Schumacher's number two.

"Rubens is an excellent team man for us, I don't see why Ferrari would replace him," Weber said.

Schumacher has rejected rumours that he might retire early.

After his victory in the US Grand Prix on Sunday, Schumacher said: "Certainly not - the more I'm involved in this sport the more I enjoy it."

Alonso's contract with Renault extends to 2006.

Team boss Flavio Briatore - who also manages the Spaniard - said he has no intention of releasing his number one driver early.

"We've got no intention of separating with him," Briatore said.