Brawn Proud Of 'Best' Ferrari

Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn is proud of the team's latest creation, the F2005, saying it is the best car that Ferrari has produced.

"I am extremely proud of this car and the work of the teams involved, design, manufacturing, assembly and logistics. I am not afraid to again say that I think it is the best car we have produced ...so far," said Brawn at the launch of the new car.

This was despite the fact that the car strongly resembles the F2004M, the modified version of the team's 2004 car. "There are no radical features of this car but logical progressions in all the areas that we feel make a good racing car. It is stiffer, lighter, more stable, and, most importantly with the new tyre regulations, it should be less stressful on the tyres," said Brawn.

Brawn also explained why Ferrari had chosen to run a modified 2004 car, the F2004M, at the beginning of the season rather than begin the season with the F2005. "The new regulations, aerodynamics, tyres, etc, brought different demands and we decided we needed more time," said Brawn.

"The addition of the extra GPs, totalling 19 for 2005, meant that mid season updates would be more difficult and it also meant a long season with opportunities to catch up if we made a slow start. We therefore made the decision to start the season with a modified version of the 2004 car and introduce this car after a few races. We believe it is the correct decision, even if the beginning of the year may be a little frustrating."

Testing of the F2005 will begin next week with Luca Badoer at the wheel, with drivers Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello not getting behind the wheel until after the Malaysian Grand Prix.