Ferrari's test and technical manager Nigel Stepney said he was open to offers from rival teams after expressing unhappiness at recent management changes.

The Briton, who joined in 1992 as chief mechanic before the start of a golden period for Ferrari, said he was looking to spend a year away from the team.

"I'm not currently happy with the situation within the team -- I really want to move forward with my career and that's something that's not happening right now," he told Britain's Autosport magazine.

"Ideally, I'd like to move into a new environment here at Ferrari -- but if an opportunity arose with another team, I would definitely consider it."

Stepney plays an important role in leading the pit crew and ensuring everything runs smoothly at race weekends.

In 2000 he made headlines himself when he broke a leg after being hit by Schumacher's car during a pitstop at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Ferrari have undergone a major restructuring of their technical department since the end of last season with tactical supremo Brawn departing along with engine head Paolo Martinelli.