11.01.2004 FERRARI TAKE PART IN THE JEREZ TEST AS THEY CONFIRM NEW CAR WILL BE LAUNCHED ON 26TH JANUARY

The Formula 1 runners got onto the track for the first time in 2004 last week in Jerez. It was a low key test for Ferrari with neither Michael Schumacher or Rubens Barrichello being present. Instead duties were left in the hands of factory test driver Luca Badoer and Felipe Massa, now a Sauber driver, but lent out to Ferrari to assist in duties.

Williams, Renault, McLaren and Toyota were also present at the four day test. Prior to the start of the testing, Williams unveiled their new BMW-powered FW26 car, which drew attention instantly with its 'radical' wide nosed appearance. Straight out onto the track, it immediately set the pace, Juan Pablo Montoya and Marc Gene, in the old car, topping the timesheets all week.

The four day test kicked off on Wednesday with Luca Badoer and Felipe Massa taking to the track at the wheel of three F2003-GA cars. The first day’s technical programme centred on electronics and tyre testing. Both drivers completed 59 laps each, Massa setting a best time of 1’18”996, while Badoer was fractionally adrift with a 1’19”182.

The second day saw the two drivers continue with the tyre and electronics test programme initiated the previous day. Badoer completed a total of 74 laps, the quickest being a 1’18”649. Massa did three laps more than his colleague, posting a best time of 1’18”409. The program continued into Friday with Badoer completing a total of 85 laps, the quickest being a 1’18”546. Massa did four laps less and set a best time of 1’18”882.

Saturday was the fourth and final day of testing of the week for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro at the Jerez circuit. Once again, Luca Badoer and Felipe Massa were on track to conclude the tyre and electronics test programme which has been the centrepiece of the schedule in Jerez. Badoer completed a total of 79 laps on the closing day, the quickest being a 1’18”807. Massa did 57 laps, recording a fastest time of 1’18”627.

Meanwhile it was announced that the new Ferrari F1 car, which will compete in the 2004 Formula 1 World Championship, will be launched on 26th January at Maranello. Expected to be known as the F2004, it will be used by Michael Schumacher as he aims for yet another record, taking a seventh world title this year.

With the first race of the 2004 season opening in Melbourne on March 7th, it will give the Italian team more than a month to ready the car for the trip down under. Ferrari are keen to be on the grid in Australia with the new chassis and not repeat the experiences of the last two years when they have used the previous year's car in the opening races. With the new Williams-BMW appearing in time for the Jerez test last week, and McLaren's new Mercedes-powered car hitting the track well before Christmas, Ferrari are playing catch up with their main rivals already.

Ferrari will be back on the track testing at Valencia this coming week.