Although Ferrari has diplomatically chosen to blame itself for its poor start to the 2005 season, it's widely believed that the root of the current problem is its tyres, with Bridgestone totally out-classed by its French rivals.

As the Italian team begins a test which should decide whether its new car, the F2005, is ready, Bridgestone Motorsport's technical director, Hirohide Hamashima, has admitted that, thus far in 2005, his company has failed its partner.

"The reason for such a negative result in this race (Malaysia) is undoubtedly down to our tyres," he told Gazzetta dello Sport, "even if the entire package is important.

"The potential over a flying lap was not satisfying," he admitted, "and the fact that Alonso and Trulli lapped a couple of seconds faster than us is certainly not down to different fuel loads.

"There are no mitigating factors," he continued, "it was a big lesson. However, it was healthy, in the sense that this defeat has taught us many things and we are ready to react.

He revealed that his company has a new range of tyres designed specifically for the F2005, and that these will be evaluated at Mugello over the coming days.

"Obviously we've had lengthy discussions with Ferrari in order to create a new generation of tyres," he said. "We think we've identified some which will let us become competitive again very soon.

"There's no doubt that, if Ferrari were to decide to bring the F2005 to Bahrain, we'll be able to pride a quantity of the tyres in time, all we need is a few days."