World champions Ferrari are aiming for their new car to be ready to race in the opening Grand Prix of the 2004 season in Australia.

"We want to be able to present the new car in January in order to give it a debut right from the first race," Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt was quoted as saying by the daily Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday. Last season's Ferrari, the F2003-GA, claimed a fifth consecutive constructors' title as Germany's Michael Schumacher was crowned world champion for a record sixth time.

But although Ferrari unveiled last year's new car in February they did not use the vehicle in a race until the fifth Grand Prix of the season in Spain.

New motor regulations for next season are encouraging team's to get their new cars on the track right from the outset.

McLaren already have their new car out while Ferrari's other main rivals Williams will launch their latest vehicle on January 5.

Source: Reuters