Flav calms ‘all-Finn’ rumor for 2007

(GMMf1NET) Flavio Briatore backed away from a double-whammy of driver speculation in the scorching Sepang paddock.

The Renault chief was faced with gossip that Kimi Raikkonen could be signed to replace Fernando Alonso next year, with Giancarlo Fisichella possibly also moved aside to clear the seat for another Finn, Heikki Kovalainen.

''This is the second race out of 18,'' Briatore marveled, ''so are we going to talk about it for 16 more?''

In his near-impenetrable accent, the Italian added: ''At the moment I do not know. Anyway, I do not want to talk about this.''