F2005 will soon take priority - Todt - 9th July 22:22pm GMT

After Ross Brawn met the media this afternoon, it was the turn of Ferrari Managing Director Jean Todt to sit in the interview chair. The team boss shed light on Brawn’s remarks about the fact that the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro team is already working on next year’s F1 car. 'There comes a time when we have to start thinking about next year's car, especially when there are going to be a lot of changes for next year, in terms of the technical regulations, the aerodynamics, the tyres and the engines,' began the Frenchman. 'Time goes by very quickly, so we soon have to give priority to the new car.'

It is clear that with the F2004 proving so competitive on all types of circuit, the team has been able to look ahead in a more concerted manner than if it was struggling in this year's title race. 'We have reached a good level of performance with the F2004, but there are still some development programmes for specific circuits,' specified Todt. 'However there comes a time, like we have done every year, where we have to look ahead. Of course, if we are still fighting for the title over the last two races then we would be in a situation where development would continue as we would have to find a tenth of a second per lap from somewhere as a tenth of a second can make a big difference. But it is true that in this year’s championship, without saying it is in the bag, far from it, in terms of competitiveness, we are in a position to make next year’s programme our priority.'

So does that mean Todt feels the 2004 championships are already decided? 'I am too prudent to talk about the championship being over at this moment when we have not yet won,' he maintained. 'All we can say at the moment is that we look like the favourites. There are still eight grands prix to go and so many things could happen. With that in mind, of course I prefer to be in our situation than that facing the other teams. We have had examples of championships that looked in the bag and they were not, so until it is mathematically won I will not consider it so. I’ve been in the business too long to think like that.'