Ferrari boss Marco Mattiacci admits that former Technical Drector Ross Brawn would be welcomed back at Maranello with open arms.

The Briton left the Italian team at the end of 2006 as a golden era, which witnessed countless titles for the Maranello outfit, came to an end.

After a year away he returned to the sport with Honda subsequently buying the team and achieving further title-winning success with Jenson Button. As his eponymous outfit was bought by Mercedes he remained on board but eventually opted to retire as others were brought on board seemingly diluting his influence over the team.

Despite speculation over a return, fuelled, in part, by a visit along with friends to Maranello earlier this year, Brawn insists he has retired and wishes to spend his time fishing.

However, as Ferrari's fortunes continue to flounder, Marco Mattiacci has sent out the clearest signal yet that the Italian team would delight in the return of its prodigal son.

"Ross Brawn is an iconic figure at [Ferrari headquarters] Maranello," he told CNN. "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.

"We've talked several times," admitted Mattiacci. "Ross has been at Ferrari. He came here with friends so it was very nice to spend a few minutes."

However, the Italian, who has admitted he thought it was an April fool joke when he was offered the Team Principal's role with the team, such was his lack of involvement in that side of the company, insists that should Brawn return to the team it would not be a 'Numero Uno'.

"At the moment I am the number one on the team," he said. "I like to work with what I have. We are building a very strong team with a medium, long-term plan. My role is to shorten as much as I can this plan to make it effective as soon as possible. We are building the foundation for a very successful story.

"At the moment I'm building a new team," he continued. "James (Allison) is the technical director and I want to start from this point.

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

Chris Balfe