Brawn could replace Todt

According to a murmur in the Suzuka paddock, technical director Ross Brawn would take Ferrari's top job if Jean Todt retires at the end of 2006.

Although both scarlet players' contracts expire in unison, Englishman Brawn is known to want to keep charging at Maranello. Exactly the same cannot be said for Todt, who has left the retirement door half open.

In fact, France's Todt is even tipped to assist Luca di Montezemolo higher up the food chain.

''At the moment the priority should be returning Ferrari to the front,'' Brawn told the 'Premiere' TV network, ''so that is where my focus is.

''Other things are more important at the moment.

''In addition, I am an engineer at heart, and I would give that up very reluctantly.''