26.01.2004 THE FERRARI F2004: JEAN TODT PRESENTS THE NEW FORMULA ONE CAR AT MARANELLO

The F2004 was officially presented today at around 11am. The new Formula 1 single-seater from the Maranello Scuderia will compete in the F1 World Championship that kicks off in Melbourne, Australia on 7th March.

Sticking with tradition, Antonio Ghini, the Ferrari Director of Communication and Brand Management, opened the F2004 presentation ceremony, one that was held in the vast hanger that is the Vecchia Meccanica at Maranello.

‘Last year we presented our new car in the Nuova Logistica at Fiorano; the year before we used the Nuova Meccanica, one of the buildings constructed for ‘Formula Uomo’. This was a project that enjoyed the full backing of President Montezemolo whose aim was to establish an environment in which staff could go about their work in the best possible conditions,’ outlined Ghini. ‘This year, we are in a building that represents perfectly the link between our history and our future; a space in which mechanical work was carried out in the past and which in future will house the production line.’

Ghini then invited the General Director of the Gestione Sportiva, Jean Todt, onto the stage. Todt politely stated that he preferred not make the expectant guests wait longer than was necessary and so called for Luca Badoer, Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher to join him: ‘This is what we are here for and so I would like to ask the drivers to come up and unveil the F2004, the single-seater that will fly the flag for Italy, the Group and our team in the F1 World Championship.’

The drivers duly drew back the shiny red drape and the anxious public could finally admire the F2004. The crowd burst into applause as the car dazzled under the photographers’ flashlights.