MARCH 23, 2005

The F2005 and Bahrain

Ferrari will decide within the next couple of days whether or not to take the F2005 to Bahrain. The decision will make a big difference as the logistics or changing cars is a massive job and it may be better to run all new cars rather than try to do two different models at the same time.

Ferrari will decide within the next couple of days whether or not to take the F2005 to Bahrain. The decision will make a big difference as the logistics or changing cars is a massive job and it may be better to run all new cars rather than try to do two different models at the same time. The new car has up to now completed just short of 2500 miles of testing since its first runs on March 1. The work has been done by Ferrari test drivers Luca Badoer, Marc Gene and Andrea Bertolini and it was not until yesterday that Rubens Barrichello got himself into one of the new cars. The test at Mugello saw Barrichello complete 95 laps in the car.

"First impressions count," said Barrichello, "and I am very happy with how it felt to drive the F2005. It is definitely quicker than the F2004M and represents a step forward in every area."

Michael Schumacher is running the new car today and a decision will then be taken about Bahrain. After the drubbing that the team received in Malaysia there may be doubts as to whether it makes sense to race the new car is similar temperatures. Much will depend on the tyres that Bridgestone has available for the race. If the Japanese tyremaker has some softer rubber which will be more effective than the rubber seen in Malaysia it makes sense for the team to go for the change but if it not it is probably better to continue to develop the cars in Europe and not disrupt the development programme as planned.