Drivers Confident At Ferrari Launch.

Both race team drivers at Ferrari said how much they were looking forward to driving the new F1-2000 after the car was unveiled at Maranello this morning [Monday].


Speaking in Italian, both Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher spoke of their enthusiasm for the latest product from Rory Byrne's design team and, despite it being among the latest of cars to be launched this season, believe that it will win races in 2000.


"I am very enthusiastic," revealed Schumacher in faltering Italian, "I hope that I can finally win the world championship and bring the title home, but we must win races right from the start of the season. I am extremely happy that, in spite of my accident last year, I was able to contribute to Ferrari winning the constructors' championship and, in my fifth year with the team, I am aiming both to defend that title and, of course, win the drivers' championship.


"This would have an extra special significance, not only for me, but also for the entire team, for the whole of Italy and for all of Ferrari's fans around the world. I am confident that this goal can be achieved."


Team-mate Barrichello, signed to replace Eddie Irvine alongside the German, spoke in more modest terms when addressing his goals for the year.


"I am very happy to be a member of the Ferrari family, and to have been accepted so warmly right from the start," he said fluently, "I know that I will be getting my first victory with the new car, and I trust all those who put it together to make it successful."


Both drivers have expressed their concerns in recent weeks about the length of time it has taken for the F1-2000 to appear, with testing time now limited between the launch and the opening race of the season in Melbourne next month. Technical director Ross Brawn, however, sees the late launch as a bonus as it means extra development time before the unveiling should have had the desired effect to make the car as competitive as possible before the season starts.