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Merc's Cowell to Ferrari: 'No, thanks'

MARANELLO, Italy - Ferrari is paying a high price for its geographical location, according to Flavio Briatore. It's also realised that the little town of Maranello is not the centre of the (F1) world.

In May 2014 former Benetton and Renault chief Briatore said the Maranello team should consider relocating to the UK.

"In my opinion," he said, "Ferrari must have a base in the UK where all of the technology of Formula 1 is concentrated. At Maranello it is difficult to create an effective team and to recruit these British engineers."

Since then Ferrari is believed to have made a staggering offer of as much as R322-million a year - much more than most F1 drivers earn - to lure Adrian Newey from Red Bull.

He refused.

'FERRARI IN DEEP CRISIS'

Italy's Autosprint is now reporting that another top Briton also said 'No!' to moving to Maranello - the engine boss of F1's dominant team in 2014, Andy Cowell.

Briatore told Italian radio Mix2 after the 2014 Canadian GP: "Ferrari this year is in deep crisis and has lost the chance to recover. Ferrari is paying for its location - Maranello is definitely not the centre of the (F1) world, it's England. I think that for Ferrari, it will take a major restructuring of the team.

"Wrong men? No, it's a matter of organisation. We know exactly who are the best and it is difficult to get them to Italy."

Stay with Wheels24 for the 2014 F1 season – fresh reports every day.
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