Ferrari to Stick with Used Engine

German Schumacher retired from the race in Melbourne after crashing with compatriot Nick Heidfeld and therefore had the option of changing to a fresh engine without penalty for this weekend's race in Malaysia.

But as preparations build for the second race of the season a Ferrari spokesman confirmed: "Michael will be using the same engine as he used in the first race of the season in Australia."

Although Schumacher would have benefited from a lower mileage engine, which would be less likely to fail in the intense heat, it is understood the team believe he may have suffered at the next race in similar heat in Bahrain.

By opting not to change the engine for this race also gives Ferrari the opportunity to introduce their new F2005 car in Bahrain without a penalty for changing Schumacher's engine after only one race.

Ferrari held their new car back this year to maximise its development and planned to introduce it at the fifth race of the season in Spain but are limited to when they can bring it in because of the two-races-per-engine rule.