Ferrari Admit Problems with Chassis

Although the team have previously pointed their finger solely at their tyre supplier for the grip problems that have hindered the speed of the F2005 this year, Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn has now confessed to a level of disappointment with this year's car.

"Compared to what we had last year, the aerodynamic performance of this year's car is not what we expected," he told this week's Autosport magazine.

"We haven't yet exceeded the performance of last year's car, but from what we understand, other teams may be at last year's level."

Although Brawn believes that the F2005 was an improvement on its predecessor in certain areas, like its braking performance, he believes these were not enough to compensate for the aerodynamic shortfalls.

"The changes this year were so massive that it was difficult to regain what we lost," he said.

Brawn's comments about the F2005 come at the same time that Williams technical director Sam Michael expressed his belief that Bridgestone should be expected to make a massive step forward next year thanks to the defection of his team and Toyota from Michelin.

"While there is a perception that Bridgestone have struggled this year, that's difficult to assess because we don't know exactly where Ferrari's performance is it," he said.

"Bridgestone have shown themselves to be pretty unbeatable in the past and they know that's where they want to get back to. Having us and Toyota to work with will make a massive difference."