Heikki for Renault, Kimi for Ferrari

(GMM) Flavio Briatore has dropped the biggest hint yet that Renault test driver Heikki Kovalainen could move into the racing cockpit in 2007.

Asked about speculation linking Kimi Raikkonen with the blue-colored team, the Italian principal said in Hungary: ''He would be an interesting driver for us.

'''But formula one is not only about the superstars. There are many young talents who we should not allow to become too old for it — like our 25-year-old test driver Kovalainen.''

The Budapest paddock is traditionally a melting-pot for mid-season silly-season gossip, and Briatore is usually a player. This time around, he is also toying with the destination of Mark Webber, who is now understood to have penned a deal with Red Bull.

What does 56-year-old Briatore predict about Michael Schumacher? ''If I look into the cloudy skies of Budapest,'' he said, ''I can imagine that Michael has decided to stop.

''I see Raikkonen and Massa at Ferrari in 2007.''