Nigel Stepney Retiring

Steve Matchett reported during the Speed telecast that Nigel Stepney told him that Ferrari gave him the option of taking a year sabbatical to decide what he wants to do.

Stepney used the word "retiring" when referring to his year off.

This led to speculation that Ross is doing the same thing, and who know what Jean Todt is doing.

Nigel has been with the team since before Jean Todt arrived and is a very good friend of Matchett.

That said, this is a particular blow in my mind because I always felt that Stepney was the one who would replace Ross.

I can't help but think that Michael's retirement is all a part of a big master plan. And my biggest fear is that Kimi is coming into a team that more resembles the days of Prost at Ferrari than the days of Michael.

Some of you don't remember, but those were the days when the Italian "Suits" came down and ran the team by committe. Those were the days when a Ferrari pit stop was televised for comic relief. Dark days, indeed.

I'm not trying to be negative, but I'm curious to hear your thoughts.