'Ferrari have an advantage that will be difficult to calm even next year,' the Italian worries.

Minardi became a constructor in his own right in 1980, moving up to Formula One five years later. But late last season, Gian Carlo was forced to admit that Faenza's finances were shot and sold out to Aussie entrepreneur Paul Stoddart.

He now maintains a role as sporting manager, fulfilling several roles at Minardi's Italian base and keeping an eye on young talent and some sponsorship deals.

But the Italian insists that, even despite the recent introduction of new, competition-inspiring rules like one-shot qualifying and points reform, nothing can change the foregone conclusion that is 2003.

'I know that McLaren and [Williams] BMW are pushing very hard and that Renault are also working hard to confirm their status as the fourth team in the championship,' said Minardi.

'But I believe Ferrari will still remain ahead of everyone else.

'On the other hand, they are the best team, with the best drivers, the best car and with the best tyres, so they should be ahead.'