Schumacher: No Rush to Introduce New Ferrari

World Champion Michael Schumacher has said that Ferrari will not be rushed into introducing the new F2003-GA despite failing to finish on the podium in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Schumacher finished fourth behind David Coulthard, Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Raikkonen at Albert Park after a problematic race - the first time he has not been on the podium since 2001's Italian Grand Prix.

But the German, using last year's all-conquering F2002 in Australia, insisted the new machine will not be used until Ferrari are convinced of its reliability.

"The result does not mean the new car will come earlier," Schumacher said. "Our car was competitive. If the circumstances hadn't been so unlucky for me I think I would have had a realistic chance to win.

"Our new car is coming but only when we know it's reliable and we will only know that when we have done enough testing. We know the (F2002) car is reliable and competitive so I am not too concerned."

Schumacher admitted being disappointed to miss out on a win in Australia after being in contention, but accepted his five points for fourth place as a good start to the campaign.

"I am a bit disappointed but we have five points and have an old car in which we see we could have won here in normal circumstances so we can have good hope for the next few races," he said.