Schumacher's 2004 car has been overpowered so far by Renault

World champion Michael Schumacher failed to finish the opening race in Australia and could only manage two points for seventh in Malaysia.

"How can they be so arrogant as to start the season with the old car?" his brother Ralf said in Bild newspaper.

Ferrari planned to introduce their new F2005 car in the fifth round of the season but may now bring it forward.

Testing on the new machine will continue in Mugello this week, with the world champion due to drive it for the first time on Wednesday.

I've often known it to happen that in one race I haven't had a chance and then in the next I've challenged for victory Michael Schumacher

"I've heard a lot about the car from our test driver Luca Badoer," Schumacher said. "I'm looking forward to at last trying it out myself."

Schumacher was also confident that the team could overcome a difficult opening two rounds, that has yielded only 10 points, 16 fewer than leaders Renault.

"After two botched races you can say the situation is tough," he admitted.

"It's definitely not hopeless though, I've often known it to happen that in one race I haven't had a chance and then in the next I've challenged for victory."

And Ferrari managing director Jean Todt admitted the disappointing start to the season had made them determined to change things round.

"It has increased our motivation to react," said the Frenchman. "We have to see how to improve the situation by 360 degrees.

"We must take this race [the Malaysian GP] as a point of reference. From here we have to recover the situation.

"If we are a bit sleepy, it wakes us up and that is good."