Ferrari to press new car into service

Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello has given the team's new car, the F2005, a glowing report following his first test with it at Mugello. Speaking after completing 95 laps today [Tuesday] – and over 450 kilometers – the Brazilian reckoned that it was an improvement over the F2004 in every way, although he couldn't beat the best time set by test driver, Luca Badoer yesterday [a 1min 21.380s] and was instead around a tenth slower [on a 1min 21.435s]. Rumor has it that now Ferrari will work to have the new car ready for Bahrain, at least for lead driver Michael Schumacher.

"Days like these always give you a nice feeling when you drive a new car for the first time, especially when it's a Ferrari," said Rubens, after beginning work this morning at around 9.15 am [local time]. First impressions count and I am very happy with how it felt to drive the F2005. "It is definitely quicker than the F2004 M and represents a step forward in every area."

Team leader Michael Schumacher will now drive the car for the first tomorrow [Wednesday], when the Scuderia continues development work ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix in two weeks time, when Ferrari may opt to use the F2005.