NOVEMBER 23, 2013

Brawn linked with Ferrari return

Ross Brawn is being linked with a sensational return to Ferrari.

Ross Brawn is being linked with a sensational return to Ferrari.

Mercedes' current team boss, who was technical director at Maranello during the ultra-successful Michael Schumacher era, was spotted meeting with Stefano Domenicali in Ferrari's hospitality area at Interlagos on Friday.

Briton Brawn, 58, has been considering his future at Mercedes, with the Brackley based team expected to eventually replace him with Paddy Lowe.

"Ross will step back at some point," Lowe admitted in Austin a week ago. "At the moment we're waiting for Ross's call on that."

So the big new rumour is that Brawn could return to Ferrari, to lead the fabled Italian team that despite having Fernando Alonso at the wheel has failed to win the title in recent years.

Asked on Friday if he is prepared to step into an overseeing role so that someone else might be team boss, Domenicali told Britain's Sky broadcaster: "Of course.

"If I see that is the best solution I will do it even tomorrow, 100 per cent.

"Also I have bosses on top of me that may take that decision. At the end of the day the most important thing is that Ferrari has to become the standard for formula one once again," the Italian added.

Asked specifically if he would be happy to work hand-in-hand with Brawn once again, Domenicali said: "I cannot answer that question because whatever answer I give, there will be a lot of titles on the newspapers.

"I have such a respect for Ross, as a friend first of all, and as a professional that, really, let's wait and see."

(GMM)