Michael Schumacher's Ferrari team will decide later this week whether to unleash their 2002 challenger at the next race following his crushing victory in the Australian Grand Prix in last year's car. The German triumphed in Melbourne after brother Ralf used the rear of Rubens Barrichello's Ferrari like a high-speed water-ski jump to go flying in his Williams-BMW and spark an eight-car crash at the opening corner.
Schumacher escaped the Albert Park mayhem to clinch the 54th victory of his career and make the perfect start to his bid for that record equalling fifth drivers' crown. The win by almost 19 seconds from Juan Pablo Montoya in the other Williams while David Coulthard's campaign began with a retirement in his McLaren has taken the pressure off Ferrari.
The Italian team would not risk the 2002 car - expected to be much faster - breaking down in the season opener. We will test the new car in Mugello until Saturday and then decide about Malaysia. “We would have no problem getting the car there for the race the following week,” said Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt.
Filed by Johnny Proby
