MARCH 20, 2001

Todt says stability is the key

FERRARI sporting director Jean Todt has saluted the stability within the Maranello-based team and suggested this is the key to their success so far this season.

Frenchman Todt joined the team in 1993 and has worked hard to develop the solid base and consistent personnel that is now paying dividends as Michael Schumacher has won the first two races for Ferrari.

"The team has been stable since 1997," said Todt. "And Ferrari has been competitive since then.

"We are all committed to staying with the team for some time to come - and there are commitments that are a lot worse!"

Before the start of the season Todt, technical director Ross Brawn, chief designer Rory Byrne, and engine designer Paulo Martinelli all signed up with Ferrari until the end of 2004.

That could mean more of the same for the next four seasons and after Ferrari's Sepang supremacy, that leaves the rest of the grid with a lot to think about.

"We saw two drivers who were lapping four or five seconds quicker than everyone else," said Todt, impressed by Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello's pace.

But it was the car that contributed most to the dominance of their rivals, and McLaren are clearly off the pace.

"One has to begin with a car that is competitive right at the start of the season," said the Ferrari man. "Results until now seem to suggest we have the best."