Ferrari: We're Ready for Monza

Following a major test session, which involved five racing and testing drivers running over 5,500 kms, Ferrari said today they are ready to fight for the World Championship at next weekend's Italian Grand Prix.

Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello, Luca Badoer, Felipe Massa and Luciano Burti have run in Monza and Fiorano this week, putting in nearly 700 laps of the Monza circuit and almost 500 of the Fiorano one.

Today, Badoer wrapped up the testing with 110 laps at Fiorano, setting a quickest time of 57.820. The team said he continued tyre development work with Bridgestone at the wheel of the F2003-GA, and ended with shaking down all four chassis to be taken to the Italian Grand Prix.

"We brought a new aerodynamic package to [the testing at] Monza and it delivered good results," said technical director Ross Brawn. "We also worked on car set-up, acquiring information which will be important for the coming race weekend.

"On the tyre side, we also made some significant progress, thanks to the work we carried out with Bridgestone. Both Michael and Rubens declared themselves satisfied with the results of the testing."

Ferrari also tested a new engine specification, stating the modification brought good results. "We have a few improvements specifically adapted to the unusual requirements of the Monza circuit," commented Ferrari's head of engine department, Paolo Martinelli.

"We did two endurance tests with the latest specification of the 052 engine, which produced positive results in terms of reliability and performance, although of course we will have to see how these work in race conditions."

"All will be decided in the final three Grands Prix of the season and for us at Ferrari, it’s a bit like reliving the same atmosphere we experienced on the eve of Monza in 2000," added Ferrari team chief Jean Todt.

"The final outcome will depend on the competitivity shown by our engine-chassis-Bridgestone tyre package compared with that of our rivals. This race will be crucial: any slip-up on the part of the contenders - Schumacher, Montoya or Raikkonen in the Drivers' Championship, Ferrari, BMW-Williams or McLaren-Mercedes in the Constructors', will make the next two races rather difficult."