Brawn looking for a different option - 19th February 22:36pm GMT

Ross Brawn has said he would consider returning to Ferrari as overall boss of the Italian Formula One team in 2008.

The 52-year-old Briton quit his role as technical director after last season to take a 12-month sabbatical.

But he told German magazine Auto Motor und Sport that becoming Ferrari's new team principal is "an option".

Brawn, who helped Michael Schumacher win five straight titles from 2000 to 2004, said: "If I return, I will need a new challenge."

Brawn spent 10 years as Ferrari's technical director - before his arrival, the team had not won the drivers' championship since 1979.

His departure last October coincided with the retirement of Schumacher, with whom he also won two world titles at Benetton.

Engine supremo Paolo Martinelli also left for a senior job within the Fiat Group, while team executive director Jean Todt was made Ferrari's overall chief executive officer.

Brawn added he was unlikely to join another F1 team, adding: "Ferrari gave me so much that it would be only fair if I first spoke with them."