Dec 05: Ferrari are aiming to have their new car ready for the opening Grand Prix of the 2004 season in Australia. Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt told Gazzetta dello Sport: "We want to present it in January in order to give it a debut in the first race."
Last season's car, the F2003-GA, gave Ferrari a fifth straight constructors' title and helped Michael Schumacher claim a record sixth drivers' crown.
That's despite the fact it was not used until the fifth race of the calendar, the Spanish GP. Ferrari used a development version of the previous year's car in both 2002 and 2003.
New regulations for next season are encouraging teams to get their new cars on the track right from the outset.
McLaren already have their new car out while Williams will launch their latest vehicle on 5 January.
The new season begins on 7 March in Melbourne.
Bureau Report