Ferrari Set to Delay F2003-GA Debut

World Champions Ferrari will make a decision on the introduction of their new F2003-GA car today - and Atlas F1 understands they are set to delay its planned debut in next week's San Marino Grand Prix.

Ferrari had hoped to race their new car in front of their home Tifosi crowd next Sunday but mechanical problems continued to hamper the team during testing this week.

World Champion Michael Schumacher suffered an engine problem with the car on Wednesday and team-mate Rubens Barrichello was forced to stop a planned race distance run after just three laps on Friday.

The team will make an announcement on their latest plans today (Saturday) and a Ferrari spokesman said: "We had a small problem, but it was like many other times - we have stopped many times."

Insiders at the team suggested that a meeting was planned for Friday night to discuss the matter and Schumacher has reiterated his view that the new car should not be introduced until it is absolutely ready.

The car continues testing at Fiorano on Saturday, with Italian test driver Luca Badoer at the wheel, and the team is expected to reveal their decision when running at the Italian track is completed.