Ferrari delays debut of 2003 challenger
Ferrari has decided to postpone the debut of its 2003 challenger, the F2003-GA, after problems were encountered with it in testing this week. The new car was to break cover in front of Italian fans at Imola next weekend but will now debut at the Spanish Grand Prix in three week's time
A team spokesman said: "We will race [at Imola] with the old car, our goal now is to bring the new F2003-GA into service at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.
"The explanation for this decision is that the new car is a step forward but it still has some problems. These are normal problems you would expect for a new car but there is no point in taking risks.
"We know we can win with the old car, we have proved already that it is on the pace, and we go to Imola next weekend with the aim to win."
Rubens Barrichello had to wait for an engine to be airlifted from Maranello to Mugello by helicopter yesterday (Friday), after having problems, while Michael Schumacher tellingly continued to test a F2002 at Fiorano. The world champion also experienced engine problems on Wednesday.
Despite the set-backs, Luca Badoer had a trouble free run in a GA at Fiorano today (Saturday), completing 155 laps with a best laptime of 1m01.853s.
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