Ross Brawn not part of Ferrari's Formula 1 plans

Brawn has been linked with a return to Ferrari ever since he stepped down as Mercedes team principal at the end of last year.

Speculation of such a move further ramped up this week when Mattiacci told CNN that Ferrari would be open to having Brawn back, after he helped play a part in Ferrari's title dominance with Michael Schumacher in the early 2000s.

Mattiacci said: "Ross Brawn is an iconic figure at Maranello. Everyone would like to have Ross or would like to see Ross back at Ferrari.

"He's one of the most respected personalities in F1 with the highest knowledge and pedigree. Everybody would be happy with someone like Ross."

But although Mattiacci confirmed that some talks had taken place - including during a social visit that Brawn made to Maranello with friends earlier this year - it is understood that he does not feature in the revamp plan that is underway at Ferrari.

Mattiacci has faith that current technical director James Allison is the right man to help take charge of Ferrari's recovery, although changes to the staffing structure and new appointments are expected before next year.

"As I said, at the moment I'm building a new team. James is the technical director and I want to start from this point," added Mattiacci.

"To tango you have to have two. Maybe Ross is happy with what he is doing."

Brawn has kept a low profile since leaving Mercedes and suggested at the end of last year that he had retired from F1.