30.01.2004 MICHAEL SCHUMACHER GIVES THE NEW FERRARI F2004 ITS TRACK DEBUT AT FIORANO

Today was the first day of testing this year for Ferrari at their private Fiorano facility. However of much more significance was that this morning Michael Schumacher gave the new F2004, unveiled on Monday, its track debut. At the same time test driver Luca Badoer carried out an electronics program at the wheel of an F2003-GA.

Schumacher covered a total of 34 trouble free laps as he gave the new car its shakedown, posting a best time of 56.835. Badoer completed 79 laps, the quickest in 57”311. Testing will continue at the track tomorrow, again with Schumacher and Badoer driving an F2004 and an F2003-GA respectively.

"I am quite happy with the first testing day of our new car." commented the German World Champion afterwards. "I immediately had a feeling for it. The F2004 was handling very well straight out of the box and we achieved good and consistent lap times. Personally I find it nice to have such good news and see such good mood on the birthday of our president's daughter Maria."

Circuit: Fiorano track , 2.976 km - short course 1,413 km; Drivers: Michael Schumacher and Luca Badoer; Car: F2004 and F2003-GA; Weather: air temperature 5 /10/3°C, track temperature 2/14/3 °C; sunny.