Ross has already hinted to ITV that he is almost certain to stay with Ferrari beyond 2004 regardless of the Schumacher factor. And he is also hinting now that Jean Todt as well as Rory Byrne will be staying on as well. One thing is for sure and that is that Ross does not envisage himself working for another team.

"I can't see myself working for another Formula One team at the moment. I can't see any reason why I would want to do that. If that continues, there is every reason I'll stay longer than 2004. That just happens to be a date that is the end of my current agreement. Jean and Rory and Michael - we are so fortunate that none of us are going to let it drop easily, so watch this space."

No contract talks are started yet, but Ross is adamant that all those currently at Ferrari want to keep the team at the top and they have no desire to all walkaway and leave Ferrari with massive holes to fill.

"They are things to be discussed in the future in a few more years but none of us want to harm Ferrari and for sure Ferrari will continue in a very competitive position for much longer than 2004."