Ferrari F2004 to debut in Australia?

Ferrari team boss Jean Todt has revealed that the Maranello based squad want to launch their 2004 car as soon as possible, so that it is ready for the opening grand prix of the season, on March 7.

Todt told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport: "We want to present it in January in order to give it a debut in the first race."

Last year's car, the F2003-GA, was launched on the February 7, however it wasn't deemed race ready until the fifth race of the season, the Spanish GP in May.

As such Ferrari used a modified F2002, until then, a tactic that had also been employed in 2002, with the F2001.

With changes to the regulations though next season - including one rule that dictates an engine must last the entire weekend, as well as electronic changes, many teams are opting to start the season with their new machines.

McLaren's new car, the MP4-19 has already been on track, making its test debut last week in Valencia, while work continued this week in Barcelona.

Williams meanwhile are also aiming to get their latest model on track as soon as possible, and the FW26 will be unveiled on January 5.

Of the other teams Sauber will launch the C23 on January 12, with Toyota following on January 17, then Jaguar on January 18 and Renault on January 29. None of the other teams have yet, confirmed a date.