Ferrari President 'Astonished' by New Car

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo today admitted he is "astonished" by the new F2003-GA car and said he did not think the car could better the evolution and innovation of last year's title winning machine.

The Italian squad broke new ground with the revolutionary F2002 last year and promptly won 15 of the 17 Grands Prix in a season of total domination. But speaking at the launch of the new machine, named after late Fiat owner Gianni Agnelli, di Montezemolo said he was surprised at the development of last year's car.

"I'm astonished at the further evolutions and innovations and development of a car that won 15 out of 17 races," di Montezemolo said. "It's the result of constant evolution. You can't stop for five days, if you do, it's like a year. I'm happy that this car bears the name of Gianni Agnelli."

But he warned: "The Championship will be very hard, it will be a harsh struggle and we will need to perform as well again."

Sporting director Jean Todt added that the new car, designed by Rory Byrne, has "superior potential" to last year's F2002 and said the team are as motivated as ever to retain the world title.

"Rory said last year's car was the most beautiful Ferrari and I know the whole group has made the same comment about this car," Todt said. "It has already proved superior potential over the 2002 car. We still have the same motivation as if the team has never won before, great determination but humble."

Ferrari's technical director Ross Brawn admitted it will be difficult to match last season's exploits but said his difficult early years with the team will helps him strive for further success.

"This is now my seventh Ferrari new car presentation," Brawn said. "I can truthfully and thankfully say that each year the results have been an improvement on the previous year. But to win more than 15 races will be difficult.

"Year on year, this car is probably the biggest step forward in terms of performance to date. But I do believe that our difficult first few seasons together have been a reminder of how fragile success can be."