New car boost for Schumacher
Michael Schumacher’s bid to claim a record sixth world title will be aided by new machinery at the next grand prix in Spain after Ferrari finally decided to introduce their 2003 car.
Ferrari started this season with their all-conquering 2002 car but have suffered an indifferent campaign so far with Schumacher’s win in last weekend’s San Marino Grand Prix lifting him to third in the championship.
But after extensive testing at Mugello and Fiorano, Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn is finally happy with the new car and will introduce it at the Spanish Grand Prix next weekend.
Brawn said: “We are happy to have overcome the running-in problems which prevented us giving it its debut in Imola.
“Now we are ready to use it in a race. This week’s testing went very well and I am as confident as one can be when running a new car. The F2002 was a fantastic car, but it has reached the end of its development cycle.
“The new machine has already shown itself to be quicker and we have some further improvements in mind for the rest of the season.”
