Todt: New Ferrari Poised for Imola Debut

Ferrari team principal Jean Todt has given the clearest signal yet that his team's new Formula One car will be ready to make its debut at the San Marino Grand Prix on April 20.

"Barring unforeseen disasters, we'll see the F2003-GA at Imola," Todt was quoted as saying on Gazzetta dello Sport's website today.

The Italian manufacturer will hope the new car proves the key to turning round the team's disappointing start to the season, which continued on Sunday as driver error and mechanical failure ended their challenge in a rain-hit Brazilian Grand Prix.

World Champion Michael Schumacher crashed out after 26 laps, and his teammate Rubens Barrichello ground to a halt 20 laps later in his home race with a fuel feed problem. Schumacher is already looking forward to the new car.

"On Wednesday and Thursday we'll both be at Mugello to check the state of health of the F2003-GA," the German said after the race in Brazil. "There are still 13 races to go, our challenge remains in tact and we shouldn't be too worried about the difference in the classification between us and McLaren.

"We're only at the beginning. So far the others have made big steps forward. Soon it'll be our turn".