> Brawn predicts bright future for Ferrari

Ross Brawn is confident that Ferrari has a bright future under its new technical leadership after confirming on Thursday that he will be leaving the team to devote more time to his family.

Brawn was instrumental in Ferrari’s resurgence at the end of the 1990s and subsequent domination of the Formula 1 scene, presiding over five drivers’ championship wins and six constructors’ titles.

His departure, coupled with that of Michael Schumacher, will inevitably leave a vacuum at the helm of the Maranello squad.

But the Englishman is adamant that he is leaving the team in capable hands and that it has enough strength in depth to continue its winning tradition.

“I wish to thank Ferrari for allowing me to be part of a wonderful period in the history of the team,” he said.

“Everyone knows that Ferrari is a legend but more important are the people who work here.

“They have demonstrated extraordinary professionalism, loyalty, motivation and passion for their tasks.

“They are all exceptional human beings.

“For some time now, we have prepared for this handover and I am pleased to be able to pass on my responsibilities to people whom I am convinced can do an even better job than me.

“I have great faith in all of them and I am sure they will bring many more successes home to Maranello.”

Brawn’s post as technical director will be filled by Mario Almondo, while engine chief Paolo Martinelli is also on the way out, moving to Ferrari’s parent company Fiat.

Schumacher paid tribute to Brawn and Martinelli for the part they played in his and the team’s extraordinary success.

“I have to thank Ross Brawn as he has been on hand to help me with all my successes in Formula 1,” he said.

“His strong personality and his natural authority have been of fundamental importance for the team.

“Ross is able to prepare people for the work they have to do, to help and to stimulate them and to point them in the right direction.

“In my mind, he will always set the standard.”

He was similarly effusive about Martinelli’s work.

“In the last six years of Formula 1, I have only suffered two engine failures and that says all there is to say about the quality of Paolo’s work,” he said.

“It is not because of what happened at Suzuka that we have not been able to take the final title win, but in fact, the reliability of the engine has always been at the root of our success.

“I hold him in great esteem and wish him all the best on his new professional path."