Ferrari pleased with initial running with the new F2012 at Jerez F1 test

The Maranello squad was forced to cancel the initial shakedown planned for Fiorano after the unveiling of the car because of the poor weather, and the new singe-seater took to the track for the first time this morning at Jerez.

Felipe Massa was in charge of testing duties, the Brazilian completing a total of 69 laps on his way to a discreet ninth fastest time, over three seconds off the pace.

Tombazis admitted there is still a lot of work ahead but was pleased with the maiden run.

"I think any winter is immensely hard work, so to say now that we are at a good point before Australia would be a bit arrogant from our point," Tombazis told AUTOSPORT at the end of the first day of testing.

"We need to do a lot of work, but we think we are at a good point compared to what we are expecting on this first day."

Tombazis insisted Ferrari had no choice but to be very aggressive with the design of the new car in order to try to return to winnings ways following a frustrating 2011 season.

"We decided that the only way forward was to be a lot more aggressive in our design," he said. "I think it is too early to say whether we can win this year or not, but one thing we cannot be accused of is being too tame with this car.

"We have chosen a very aggressive approach and I think that is very much influenced by Pat [Fry, technical director] but also by the analysis of our approach over the last few years."