May 26 (GMM) Ferrari has accused a Spanish journalist of lying about the concerns of a major team sponsor.

AS sports newspaper writer Raul Romojaro had said Santander chief Emilio Botin had words in Barcelona with Stefano Domenicali about Ferrari's poor start to the 2011 season.

"When lies are being bandied about then the Horse Whisperer cannot let it go," said Ferrari in a website column written by an anonymous writer.

"Someone in Spain, maybe suffering a touch of heat stroke, made up some piece of science-fiction," the columnist added.

Ferrari pointed out that Romojaro, who was not named specifically in the column, was not even in Barcelona.

"If there is one relationship which is going full steam ahead it's the one between the Prancing Horse and Santander," read the column.

It is possible Ferrari is deflecting some attention as the Monaco paddock gathers mere hours after technical director Aldo Costa "relinquished" his post.

Another rumour is that Fernando Alonso, newly signed up for the next six years, promoted the Costa ousting so that his former McLaren colleague Pat Fry can take full control.

"I have full confidence in those who have taken this decision," the Spaniard is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport. "Now we have to rebuild the organisation quickly in order not to lose too much time.

"We have many experienced people like Pat Fry in the important posts," added Alonso.

He is quoted by Diario Sport: "The goal is to try to seek a change of direction. When things are going wrong you have to do something."

Alonso denied he knew about the move beforehand.

"We've never had a conversation about this", he insisted, adding that the team atmosphere in Monaco is "very positive".

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