Former Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn said on Wednesday he was talking to the Italian team about returning to them and knocked down speculation that he might go elsewhere.

The Briton, who guided Michael Schumacher to seven Formula One championships with Benetton and then Ferrari, has been taking a year's sabbatical since the German driver retired in October.

"Whilst, I am pleased to say, Ferrari was disappointed with my decision, they understood my reasons and asked me to discuss future options with them when I was ready to return to motor racing," Brawn told the Autosport Web site (www.autosport.com).

"We have now begun these discussions to see if the requirements of Ferrari and my ambitions might match and to see if there is a possibility of working together in the future," he added.

"After 10 fantastic years, the people and culture of Ferrari and Italy is in my blood and Ferrari is my team. Ferrari is the only team or group I have discussed my future with.

"Any reports linking me with other teams or projects are either inaccurate or speculation."

Brawn is considered a likely successor to team boss Jean Todt at Ferrari but he has also been linked in the media to British-based Honda.

Speculation in the Formula One paddock about such a move has not died down in his absence.

The flames have been fanned by Honda's confirmation that they had talked to his former team mate and friend Nigel Stepney, dismissed by Ferrari last month amid accusations of sabotage and theft, about possible job opportunities.

Stepney, accused by Ferrari of passing information to McLaren's now-suspended chief designer Mike Coughlan, told Italian newspapers this week that Brawn was considering a move elsewhere.