Ferrari have unveiled their new car with a warning that they intend to continue their Formula One domination. It will be developed over the next two months and introduced at the Spanish GP on 8 May, with an updated version of last year's car to be used until then.
But there is a chance the F2005 could make its debut in Bahrain on 3 April if the old car is not competitive.
"No-one has fallen asleep over these past months," said Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo.
"After six world championships our target is to remain there.
"We know in sport you cannot always win and the time will come, but we want to stay at the top."
Michael Schumacher has won the last five drivers' titles and Ferrari have topped the team standings since 1999.
Schumacher won 13 of last season's 18 races in the F2004, with team-mate Rubens Barrichello claiming two victories.
 |  The new car looks good but we'll only see how good later |
They will drive the updated version for the first four races of the season, starting with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne next week. The new F2005, which has a unique front wing design, was unveiled at the team's Maranello base in Italy.
Like the modified old car, it has been designed to conform to new rules requiring reduced downforce, tyres which last an entire race and engines which last for two races.
It will begin testing next week, and be driven for the first time by Schumacher and Barrichello after the Malaysian Grand Prix on 20 March.
Ferrari expect it to push them well ahead of their rivals, who are all introducing new cars from the start of the season.
"I am very proud of this car," said technical director Ross Brawn. "I believe it is the best car we have produced to date.
"It's stiffer, lighter, more stable and, fundamentally important in the light of the new regulations, will place less stress on the tyres.
"We are going into one of the most competitive seasons but we will try our best to come out as winners."
Brawn insisted starting with last year's car was "the right decision, although at the beginning of the season it will be tough".
He added: "Depending on how the new car tests and how the interim car competes, it could be anticipated and the logical race to anticipate it to would be Bahrain.
"It wouldn't be easy to do it at Bahrain and I think it would be quite a tough decision."
Ferrari have looked slower than their rivals McLaren and Renault in pre-season testing, and could introduce the new machine sooner if it proves reliable in testing. Schumacher is confident his team have made the right decision to start with the development car.
"I'm here for the 10th time and after nine years I'm still happy and a bit nervous about the new season," said Schumacher, who joined Ferrari in 1996.
"The new car looks good but we'll only see how good later.
"What's more important is that we have a very good team and even after all our years of success we are highly motivated. So let's hope for the best."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
