Helmut Marko denies James Allison heading to Red Bull

James Allison, technical director of Ferrari sits on the pit wall during day four of F1 winter testing at Circuit de Catalunya on March 4, 2016
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Red Bull deny rumours that they are making a move to sign James Allison.

Red Bull have denied rumours that they are making a move to sign James Allison.

Allison, whose wife died suddenly earlier this year, left Ferrari and Italy and is being linked with a move to a UK-based team like Renault, McLaren or Red Bull.

Red Bull might be looking for a top technical brain to replace the now part-time Adrian Newey, yet the energy drink stable's Dr Helmut Marko branded the link "utter nonsense".

"We do not talk to him. We think he will probably go back to Enstone with Renault," he told Germany's Auto Bild.

It was also rumoured at Suzuka that Toro Rosso's James Key may be heading to Williams, where Pat Symonds is tipped to retire at the age of 65 by 2018.

Marko does not rule that out, but Symonds is denying the reports.

"I read that," he confirmed. "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."

The 2016 championship continues on Sunday with the Japanese Grand Prix.

Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull Racing in the garage during previews ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Russia at Sochi Autodrom on April 28, 2016
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