27.11.2003 FERRARI AIMING TO HAVE THEIR NEW F1 CAR ON THE GRID FOR THE OPENING GRAND PRIX IN MELBOURNE

Jean Todt announced at the Bologna Motor Show that Ferrari's 2004 F1 car is expected be ready to compete in the opening Grand Prix of the 2004 season, which takes place in Melbourne on 7th March. Despite starting the opening races of the last two seasons with the previous year's cars after concerns about reliability, Ferrari are confident that this year plans are well ahead of schedule.

While the new car is on track for a launch before the end of January, concern surrounds the new 053 engine. Individual components have been track tested but the new engine is still being rig tested. With the regulations calling for a single engine to last for the entire race weekend next year, Ferrari are concerned over the new 053's reliability.

To counter the problem, the team may start the season with the 052 engine mounted in the new chassis. The 053 is expected to run for the first time in an F2003-GA next week at Fiorano.

Ferrari will be looking to counter their main rivals, McLaren-Mercedes and Williams-BMW who are in an advanced state of readiness for next year. McLaren's new car is already well into a test program, while Williams launch their new car on 5th January.

Meanwhile on Wednesday Ferrari arrived at the 4.428km Jerez circuit for a three day test session. They were joined during the test by BAR-Honda and Jordan-Ford. The first day of testing, started sunny with rain arriving during the afternoon, saw Luca Badoer, Felipe Massa and Luciano Burti all take to the track at the wheel of an F2003-GA. Wednesday's technical programme centred on tyre, electronics and engine testing with Badoer setting a 1'18''858, Massa a 1'19"084 and Burti a 1'19"660.

Thursday was dominated by rain, with all three drivers completing a limited number of laps with the F2003-GA. Badoer ran 12 laps setting a 1'25"439, Massa ran 56 laps setting a 1'26"059 while Burti set a 1'26"666 during his 11 laps on track. The day's technical programme centred on tyre and electronics testing.

Friday was the last day of testing this week for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro at Jerez. Luca Badoer, Felipe Massa and Luciano Burti all took to the track at the wheel of an F2003-GA, in a session that once again today was conditioned by rain. The technical programme continued Thurdsay's proram of tyre and electronics testing. Times were as follows: Badoer 1’25”785 (74 laps,) Massa 1’26”541 (17laps) and Burti 1’26”939 (32laps).

Ferrari will be back testing at the Jerez circuit next Monday for the last major F1 test of the year. All the teams will be present except Minardi, who will be testing privately at Vallelunga from 10th-12th December and Jordan.