Despite the best efforts of Tom Rubython and Business F1 to make public the inner machinations, real or imagined, of the FIA, it took the investigative skills Pitpass to expose the sad reality that Formula One's governing body is facing a serious financial crisis, namely its failure to provide president Max Mosley with more than one tie.

Now, however, Pitpass has learned of a similar crisis facing Ferrari, which in a shock move recently committed to Formula One until 2012.

Despite talk of Bernie Ecclestone handing the Italian outfit a massive cash sweetener, it appears that the Maranello outfit is struggling to make ends meet.

On the surface, Friday's launch was all smiles and mutual back slapping, with team boss Jean Todt telling the assembled media representatives that his team deserves more money than its rivals.

And so it does.

For Pitpass has learned that despite a claimed budget of £400m a year, the Italian team finds itself having to scrimp and scrape.

How else does one explain the fact that Mr Todt has been forced to wear the same brown (yes brown!) pullover for both the 2004 and 2005 launches?

Bernie, we beseech you, hand over some dosh, please don't force Mr Todt to wear that jumper for a third successive launch - it's not the Italian way.