Ferrari's Rivals Fear Red Tide Has Turned

Ferrari's Formula One rivals fear the World Champions could run away with the Austrian Grand Prix and dominate the rest of the season after an impressive showing today.

After lapping more than six tenths of a second faster than the rest in opening qualifying for Sunday's race, there was ample evidence to suggest Ferrari's new F2003-GA car had accelerated further away. After setbacks in the first three races, with five times World Champion Michael Schumacher making his worst career start to a season, Ferrari are back with a vengeance.

"I am happy with the work we have done today, as it all looks very positive," said Schumacher, winner of the last two races.

He was quickest on Friday at Spielberg, a circuit where he was jeered last year after a controversial team orders' victory when Brazilian teammate Rubens Barrichello was told to move over at the last corner to let him win.

"We are learning more about the car every time we run it and this afternoon it worked very well. I have the best possible start position for tomorrow so I think we can be confident for the rest of the weekend," said the German.

Australian Mark Webber, third fastest for Jaguar, had no illusions.

"They are very fast. I think it's going to be really hard to beat them for the rest of the year. I think it rests with McLaren really to do the business," he said. "McLaren are waiting for the new car to come out but it needs to be very special if they are going to take it to Ferrari.

"The (Ferrari) looks quite reliable already, it's a big leap. They are strong, very strong."

Canadian former champion Jacques Villeneuve, fourth quickest on Friday for BAR, was asked if Ferrari could be beaten in a fair fight.

"I don't think so," he replied. "Since they got the new car they are again a step ahead of everybody. Or two."

McLaren, with Finland's Kimi Raikkonen, are leading both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships after five races and are due test in the south of France next week.

"They are strong. They are in an all-singing, dancing 2003 car and we're in last year's so we know we're giving away performance," said the team's Scottish driver David Coulthard.