While talks between Ferrari and Ross Brawn have now begun, Jean Todt in Turkey played down speculation that the Briton could take over as team boss in 2008.
After Brawn took a sabbatical this season, he is now looking to return to formula one next year, but has previously ruled out resuming his role as a technical director.
And Frenchman Todt told reporters in the Istanbul paddock that, despite earlier contemplating retirement, he is now “not at all prepared” to walk away from the sport.
“I feel still very motivated,” the 61-year-old explained, “so I hope I can be here a few more years.
“Bernie (Ecclestone), when you ask him, with 15 years (in age) difference, is still very motivated. So for me I am not thinking at all about stopping working.”
Todt confirmed that the first talks with Brawn kicked off at Maranello recently, but he explained that “no commitment from either side” has yet been made.
“We are just discussing about his options, and our options. Maybe we will find some common point, maybe we will not.”
