Ferrari unlikely to provide engines for Honda team

MUGELLO, Italy (Reuters) - Formula One world champions Ferrari have all but ruled out supplying engines to whoever takes over Honda, team boss Stefano Domenicali said on Monday.

"The chance of us supplying engines to Honda is close to zero," Domenicali told a news conference at Ferrari's 2009 car launch, without elaborating.

Ferrari had said earlier this month that they would be prepared to supply engines to any new owners but no deal was in place.

Japanese manufacturer Honda stunned the sport a month ago when they announced they were pulling out both as a constructor and engine provider due to the world financial crisis.

The Brackley-based team, run by former Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn and chief executive Nick Fry, have said they are considering some 12 serious offers with 'global players' among those interested.

However they are running out of time, with the season opening in Australia on March 29.

(Reporting by Mark Meadows, editing by Alan Baldwin)