Brawn not Leaving? ''It's all just speculation''

Ferrari sought quell rising speculation that their long-serving championship-winning 'dream team' is to break up with the withdrawal of Technical Director Ross Brawn at the end of this year.

According to the respected weekly Autosport magazine, Briton Brawn, 51, has decided to take a sabbatical in 2007 after 10 seasons with the famous Italian team - a decision that, if true, would almost certainly trigger the retirement of seven-times champion Michael Schumacher.

German Schumacher, 37, who has reduced defending Champion Spaniard Fernando Alonso's lead in this year's title race from 25 points to 11 after reeling off three straight wins, has yet to announce his plans.

It is widely believed that the 'red baron' is hoping to overhaul Alonso, win an amazing eighth drivers' title and then retire at the top. Equally, many close observers say he will have little choice, but to retire, if he fails to catch Renault driver Alonso.

In Italy, it is understood that Ferrari have recruited from McLaren Mercedes-Benz Finnish star Kimi Raikkonen, who this weekend will take part in his 100th Grand Prix. It remains unclear if he will be partnering Schumacher or his improving Ferrari team-mate Brazilian Felipe Massa.

Brawn is the mastermind and pit-wall boffin who guided Schumacher to all of his seven titles - two with Benetton and five with Ferrari.
A keen fisherman and Manchester United fan, he is said to want to take a rest after more than a decade under pressure and 15 years as Schumacher's trusted technical lieutenant.

But a Ferrari spokesman said: "It's all just speculation. We will know the structure of the team (for 2007) only after the end of the season."

That statement itself contradicted earlier Ferrari statements saying that their line-up for 2007 would be confirmed in September, at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Asked about this situation on Thursday afternoon when he arrived at the Hungaroring circuit, near Budapest, ahead of this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, Schumacher said: "Just wait until Monza - then you will all know what is planned for the future."

Brawn kept a low profile and was not seen at the Hungaroring circuit paddock on Thursday as the team assembled. He is due to face a news conference at the circuit on Friday.

Team chief Frenchman Jean Todt, another of the 'dream team', who has been the architect of their hugely-successful era in which they have won five titles with Schumacher, is also expected to announce his future plans in the next few months.

Source AFP