Presentation Of The New F1-2000
Maranello, 7th February

Today at Maranello, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro unveiled the new F1-2000, the car with which it will compete in this year's Formula One World Championship. Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo welcomed the most senior personnel from Fiat, Honorary President Gianni Agnelli and the Administrative Delegate Paolo Cantarello, as well as representatives of the companies which supply and sponsor the Scuderia.

Sporting Director Jean Todt kicked off the proceedings by inviting the drivers, Luca Badoer, Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher to pull the sheet off the car. Todt then went on to give an overview of the F1-2000. "We have worked a great deal on the aerodynamics, improving the weight distribution, on the suspension and on lowering the centre of gravity of the engine. The car was developed entirely in our new wind tunnel."

Todt then spoke about the drivers: "Luca Badoer will be with us once again this year as test driver, having shown a great level of professionalism over the past few years. The 'young veteran' Rubens Barrichello, who has a contract to the end of 2001, has only just joined us, but is already well integrated with the team. Michael Schumacher, who for his part, has a contract to the end of 2002, represents continuity and a point of reference. We are a compact team, working day and night to reach our targets. This year's is to do better than in 1999."

After a few words from the technical side, Technical Director Ross Brawn, Chief Designer Rory Byrne and Head of Engine department Paolo Martinelli, it was the drivers' turn to speak.

Luca Badoer reaffirmed his enthusiasm for Ferrari. "This is my third season as test driver, but every time I get into the cockpit of the car, I feel the same emotion I did on my very first drive. I will do all I can to contribute to obtaining the results we all dream of."

For Rubens Barrichello, this was his first launch at Maranello:" I am very happy to be here and I believe in what the designers of this car have told me. I am sure I will pick up my first Formula 1 victory and many more besides."

Michael Schumacher spoke in Italian: "This is my fifth year with Ferrari, which is like a family to me. I am very enthusiastic and I really hope to win as a driver. Everyone knows what happened last year. Now, I would like to have better luck. First impressions of the car is that it is beautiful. I am optimistic and cannot wait to drive it. I will do everything I can to bring the Number One to Ferrari. The whole team and all the fans deserve it."

The final address came from President Montezemolo. "Words mean little," said Montezemolo. "The track will give the answer as to the abilities of this car. We lived through a very difficult season with dramatic changes of fortune last year. We won the Constructors' title, but we lost the Drivers' one for the third consecutive time in the very last race. It confirmed that Ferrari is both stable and capable of competing at the highest level. We are up against very strong opponents, with car companies from all over the globe involved in the fight. I wish to thank the sponsors and suppliers for their support and the shareholders for the patience they have shown to date. The engineers say the car is better, but we will not be alone on the track."

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