Bernie Ecclestone has admitted that he would like to se the world championship swing in Ferrari's favour this year, whilst dismissing recent comments made by the Italian outfit's president.

"After 3 years of dominance by Red Bull it wouldn't be too bad a thing if we were to have a change at the top of the sport," he told Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport, "perhaps with Ferrari leading the way again."

Of course, in light of recent comments made by Luca di Montezemolo, who suggested that Ecclestone is essentially past it and should step down, one might expect the F1 supremo to bear some animosity towards the Italian. Not so it would seem.

"Montezemolo is still a friend and I'm convinced that he didn't really intend to say the things he said about me, about my age and my ability to continue to work, insisted the Englishman. "I'm happy, it's just 'role playing'!"

Having admitted that should he be charged in relation to the Gribkowsky scandal he could be dumped by CVC, the 82-year-old took the opportunity to repeat claims previously made to Pitpass' Chris Sylt, that he has nothing to worry about.

"I would be worried if I was guilty!" he said. "But I'm not! Are they trying to entrap me? I don't know and I don't care! All I know is that people try anything when money is involved!

"It won't get to me appearing in court" he added, before returning to Montezemolo's claim that F1 needs a younger, fresher mind at the helm. "I will continue to make F1 think and act like the world's leading sport," he said. "I'll continue to help with my ideas... I still have plenty left!"