Maranello, Jan 27: Michael Schumacher has unveiled Ferrari's new Formula One car. Michael Schumacher declared himself ready for battle on Monday (January 26) when Ferrari unveiled the car that could take him to a record seventh Formula One title. There were no surprises with the new car, which looked very similar to last years, with the exception of the higher airbox and larger rear wing in accordance with new regulations. Schumacher, 35, is starting his ninth year with Ferrari, a record for a driver with the team, and is contracted to the end of 2006 along with Barrichello and core team staff.
The German was pushed right to the end of the championship last year before claiming his record sixth crown and nobody at Ferrari was expecting it to be any easier this year. "We have been looking very strong at the last test in Barcelona, so all in all I think we are for the game," Schumacher told reporters at the launch.


Schumacher was joined at the F2004 launch by Brazilian team-mate, test driver Luca Badoer, Ferrari president Luca Di Montezemolo and team director Jean Todt.


The Italian manufacturers will be chasing a sixth successive constructors title in the 2004 season which starts with the Australian Grand Prix, on March 7.


Bureau Report