Apr.9 (GMM) The billionaire owner of Red Bull Racing may have let the cat out of the bag regarding Fernando Alonso's plans for 2009.

Dietrich Mateschitz has told a Spanish newspaper that Red Bull was in the running to sign the double world champion this year.

But he seemed to rule out making another bid for Alonso, 26, for 2009.

"His situation was complicated because he was free for one year only," the 63-year-old is quoted as saying by El Mundo.

"In such a short period, we would not have been able to demonstrate our ability.

"I am one of those people who thinks that Alonso is one of the best drivers. But we could not have delivered the car he needed, and so the decision would have been wrong.

"What we like to do is take one step whilst thinking of the next," he added.

Mateschitz's comments indicate not only that Alonso sought to accommodate himself just for a single campaign in 2008, but also that his plans for 2009 were already well advanced.

It is currently rumoured that the Spaniard is hoping to line up at Ferrari next year.