In stark contrast to the sunshine that awaits the world of Formula 1 in Melbourne in a few days time, Maranello snow provided the backdrop to the unveiling of the car that will carry Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro's hopes of retaining the Constructors' and Drivers' Championship titles this year.

The F2005 will not be making the trip to Australia, as Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello will start the year at the wheel of the F2004 M, the modified version of last year's car. This will allow extra time for development and track testing of the new car and its 055 engine, prior to its debut after the first few grands prix.

With the car presentation taking place so near to the start of the year, it was a more low key and traditional launch than those of the past few years. Ferrari Managing Director Jean Todt started the proceedings by calling President Luca di Montezemolo, Schumacher, Barrichello and test drivers Luca Badoer and Marc Gene to pull the wraps off the new car, which technical director, Ross Brawn later described as the “best we have built to date.”

"As always, this is an emotional moment, as we see the car that will defend the colours of this company in the forthcoming championship," began Todt. "The Ferrari team is on great form and we want to repeat the successes of the past few years. We want to maintain our position and I would say I will to win is even stronger now." The Frenchman went on to thank all the team's suppliers and sponsors...

Ross Brawn then explained all the changes on the car, the majority as a result of the new technical and sporting regulations introduced for 2005. "Obviously, the biggest changes concern the aerodynamics, with a raised a front wing, the rear one moved further inboard, and the floor and diffuser also undergoing modifications,” explained the Englishman. “In addition there have been various safety improvements."

Brawn felt that the rule banning tyre changes during the grands prix would make for interesting racing. "It will revive something of the old F1," he commented. "The ability to run a set of tyres for the whole race will be a key factor and make for fascinating and spectacular racing."

Brawn also touched on the organisation of the team: "Last year we began a process of renewal and Aldo Costa is now overseeing the design and development of the car, while Rory Byrne has what could be called a more 'paternal' role. But all the changes have gone through smoothly, without causing any shocks, as they have all taken place within the Ferrari philosophy that characterises our team."

After Rory Byrne and Paolo Martinelli had gone into more detail about the technical changes to chassis and engine, Montezemolo brought the official part of the presentation to a close, with a typically stirring speech, thanking everyone in the team and the company for their efforts.

To check out our pictures of the Ferrari F2005, please click here