Honda is stepping up its efforts to lure Fernando Alonso to the Japanese team for 2009 and beyond, according to a British newspaper on Tuesday.

The Daily Telegraph says that while team bosses Ross Brawn and Nick Fry are not interested in a single-season deal as has been speculated, they see the Spaniard as the ideal teammate for Jenson Button going forwards.

"I don't think it's anything specific to Fernando but in my view it's too short a period to be able to integrate a driver and get full benefit," Fry said at Hockenheim, when asked about rumours linking Alonso with Honda only for 2009.

The Telegraph claims Fry and Brawn have "made Alonso a name-your-price offer" for a longer-term deal, even though Brawn answered "yes" at Hockenheim when asked if Honda plans to use its current driver lineup in 2009.

The very next day, he backtracked, insisting "nothing is certain" in terms of next year's team.

Brackley based Honda, although an under-performer particularly this year and last, has resources to match top teams McLaren-Mercedes and Ferrari.

Moreover, it is no secret that the team has effectively shelved the 2008 season in the hope of capitalising fully on the major regulations changes for 2009.

"The plan is really designing the car Ross wants for next year, and this year is about getting everything as Ross wants it in the way the team operates," Fry, team CEO, confirmed.

Source: GMM