The 2003 Formula 1 Championship is about to kick off. The first meet will, as usual, be in Australia at the circuit in Albert Park (an enormous park where you can sail on an artificial lake; there are jogging and cycling tracks and so on) plumb in the centre of Melbourne. There is an artificial track that is easily mistaken for a permanent one, such is the attention with which it is prepared. On the site there are lots of quiet hiding places, large stands, chill out areas, bars, restaurants, shopping areas and even a marquee in which it is possible to view the sumptuous vintage cars that take part in the many support races.

The setting for the first race of the 2003 World Championship is certainly evocative. According to Max Mosley, President of the FIA, it is "the beginning of a new era for Formula 1". Others think differently, but the many new regulations introduced by the FIA made for lively discussion during the European winter season.

From the start in Melbourne, the 'super pole position' will be employed for the first time, with a single lap and one driver on the track, giving his all. Then it will be all on-hold from Saturday afternoon until Sunday morning - from the conclusion of qualifying to the build up to the race itself - in which time the cars will remain in the freezer. This is to avoid the use of cars specifically prepared for one test lap and supercharged engines of limited range. It will become the norm then that there will be only one engine for both testing and the race itself, with cars having to run the first part of the Grand Prix with the fuel left over from qualifying. Later on in the season the ban on electronic aids will come into effect.

Wanted: a challenger to Ferrari; this is the motive for the 2003 championship, after the cars of the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro dominated last season, winning races, setting records, gaining pole positions and laying down fastest lap times. But, in theory, Ferrari can do even better by winning all 16 races in the calendar: "We will keep our feet on the ground - states the president, Montezemolo, playing down the excitement - we know that our adversaries will not accept our superiority lying down, so I don´t kid myself that we can repeat the 2002 season. It would be enough to win the title."

Montezemolo jokes; Schumacher and Barrichello, though, have already confirmed their intention to continue to dominate the Grand Prix.

Ferrari will not start the season with the F2003-GA, dedicated to Gianni Agnelli. The first races (the exact number will be decided as the championship unfolds) will be disputed by the improved F2002, until Maranello´s latest single-seater completes the normal running-in period. It will enter the arena only when it is in a state to win races.

"Even the old cars will be competitive, don´t doubt that!" reflected Schumacher, whose times during winter testing were consistently excellent.

So it´s ready, set, go for the Australian GP, where last year Barrichello claimed pole and Schumacher went on to win. The reds of the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro are ready for a repeat performance.