Barrichello says the new Ferrari is faster than the old

The Brazilian drove the new F2005 at Ferrari's Mugello test track on Tuesday as the team assessed whether to use it at the Bahrain Grand Prix on 3 April.

"I am very happy with the way it felt. It is definitely quicker than the F2004M," he said.

But the test ended prematurely when Barrichello sensed an engine problem.

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"I felt something wasn't right and immediately turned off the engine," Barrichello said.

But he insisted that the test had been positive, saying the car "represents a step forward in every area" over the F2004M.

Ferrari have had a torrid start to the season after deciding to delay the debut of the F2005.

World champion Michael Schumacher could only finish seventh in last Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix as the team failed to show anything like competitive speed.

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Ferrari had initially planned to race the new car for the first time at the Spanish Grand Prix in May, but are testing it this week to see whether it can be introduced in Bahrain, two races early.

But they will have to be satisfied that it is reliable enough as well as faster than the old car before that decision is taken.

Barrichello said: "Days like this always give you a nice feeling, when you drive a new car for the first time - especially when it's a Ferrari."

Barrichello, who retired in Malaysia when his tyres wore out and he was unable to continue, completed 95 laps at the Tuscan track on Tuesday.

Schumacher is to drive the car for the first time on Wednesday.