To begin with Ferrari was going to race the first four GP�s this season with the F2004 adapted to the new rules, but the exhibition given by Renault at Melbourne has made the Italians panic. Giving four races to Alonso and Fisichella could be too much taking into account the fact that the R25 is fast and that the French team has scheduled a constant flow of improvements to their car over the whole season.
For this reason the F2005 may appear at the GP in Bahrain or San Marino. The most logical would be to do it at Imola (fourth date this season). The reason why is that Michael Schumacher abandoned in Australia and can change engine for Malaysia. If all goes well there the same engine can be used in Bahrain, and so it would not be possible to change car there.
Before taking the decision Ferrari is training at Jerez with Marc Gen�, Luca Badoer and Rubens Barrichello. After these tests they will announce the date of the F2005�s debut. Jean Todt, director of the Italian team, does not seem to be in a hurry �We will continue to do tests until we think that it is a good moment for its debut. Barrichello�s second place in Australia was not too bad for us while we are waiting for the new car�. |