By GMM

Gerhard Berger is not optimistic about the future of his formula one team, Toro Rosso.

Current partner Dietrich Mateschitz plans to sell his 50 per cent share, and former grand prix winner Berger revealed at Monaco that serous talks to replace Red Bull's investment are not really taking place.

"For me there is no alternative to Red Bull, except possibly a large automobile manufacturer. But because of the high costs, there are no signs (of interest) at the moment," Berger told the Austrian portal sportnet.at.

The Austrian rejected rumours that Fiat affiliate Lancia could be interested in buying in.

"There is another rumour every day, but Lancia and I have never had talks," he insisted, adding that he knows that Fiat is not interested in any further grand prix forays beyond its Ferrari commitment.

Berger at least demonstrated that his famous humour is intact when he was asked if he and Toro Rosso might have disappeared from the paddock by 2010.

"Absolutely," he grinned. "It may also be that I have two teams by then."