Ferrari warn rivals

Ferrari have warned their Formula One rivals not to write them off prematurely despite being overshadowed in the Australian Grand Prix.

Rubens Barrichello finished second to Renault’s Giancarlo Fisichella at Albert Park yesterday while world champion Michael Schumacher crashed out after a troubled weekend.

Renault looked the stronger team over the course of the weekend, with Fisichella winning from pole position and Fernando Alonso storming from 13th to third.

But Ferrari, who have won al titles for the last five years, are united in their belief that another championship challenge is on the cards despite their slow start.

The Italian giants are using a modified version of their 2004 car for the first four grands prix while their rivals race new machines, leaving Schumacher confident of a strong season.

The German, who crashed out in an incident with Williams’ Nick Heidfeld, said: “All in all there are some positives to take away from the race.

“We were competitive – Rubens drove a super race – despite the fact we had last year’s car. We had a great pace. We can be satisfied and regard this weekend as a good sign for the rest of the championship.”

Team boss Jean Todt was not satisfied with his team’s eight-point haul but took encouragement from the speed shown by their modified car.

The Frenchman said: “The first weekend of the season ends with mixed emotions. On the one hand, satisfaction with Rubens’ second place after he drove a great race.

“On the other hand there is disappointment for Michael, forced to retire when he was in the points. We proved we were competitive in the race and to achieve that with the modified 2004 car is encouraging for the future.

“However, we know that, along with Bridgestone, we have a lot of work to do to reach the level of performance we are aiming for.”

Technical director Ross Brawn concurred, adding: “We are reasonably happy considering we came here with the old car.

“We know we have the new car coming and further development on tyres, which were very good. Second place with the old car cannot be bad and is a good incentive for all of us.”

Fisichella won with little trouble as most of the intrigue came behind him.

David Coulthard looked set to score a podium place on Red Bull Racing’s Formula One debut before late spurts from Barrichello and Alonso relegated him to fourth.

Local favourite Mark Webber was on the Scotsman’s tail all through the race but also lost out in the later stages and had to be content with fifth on his Williams debut.

Juan Pablo Montoya drove a consistent race to take sixth, with Christian Klien giving Red Bull another two points for seventh.

Kimi Raikkonen was eighth despite stalling on the grid and causing the first start to be abandoned.