15/03/2005
NEWS STORY
Ferrari team boss Jean Todt looks ahead to this weekend's big race, the Malaysian GP.
"The Malaysian Grand Prix is the second round of the season and Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro tackles it after a race in Australia which left a bitter-sweet taste.
"On the one hand there was the satisfaction of having taken second place courtesy of a great race from Rubens Barrichello. On the other, disappointment at Michael Schumacher’s retirement when he was in the points, having started from the back row. The major lament of the Australian weekend is linked to the first qualifying session, when the changing weather worked against us. On top of that, the new qualifying format is aimed at adding to the unpredictability and so it did. For the first time in the recent history of Formula 1, cars will start a Grand Prix weekend with a used engine. It is the biggest change in the rules introduced this year, along with the restriction of using just one set of tyres for qualifying and the race and it will be a very severe test bed for everyone: all the more so because of difficult weather conditions, including high temperatures, a very high humidity level and a serious risk of storms.
"The Scuderia will tackle the second race still using the F2004 M, last year's championship winning car modified to meet the new technical rules. The car proved it was still competitive in Melbourne and we believe that will also be the case in Sepang. The team has always tackled each race with a level headed and determined approach, keen to win every race, even when we have been at our best. This Grand Prix is no exception and the team spirit and that of our partners will be the same as ever. It is particularly pleasing to underline the efforts made by Bridgestone to provide us with tyres that are quick and consistent in performance terms. This year more than ever, tyres play a crucial role in the final outcome."