Australian GP Ferrari Friday notes

Jean Todt: "I would say the first impressions with the F2001 are favourable. I think we have a good potential, even if today did not paint a clear picture of the pecking order of the teams, because of so many variables, such as tyres and fuel loads. We concentrated on finding the best settings for the car and I think we are working in the right direction. Luckily, Michael Schumacher walked away uninjured from the accident and now we must check the chassis for signs of damage. Our first impression is that it is repairable."

Rubens Barrichello: "We have done a good job of adapting the car to the track conditions here. It's a nice feeling to be able to drive the new car on a different track to the ones we have tested at over the past few weeks. It is much hotter here than when we were testing in Europe. Although I am pleased to be first, the main satisfaction comes from having been able to accumulate new data as regards the handling of the F2001."

Michael Schumacher: "As far as the accident is concerned, I was warned of yellow flags in Turn 5, but I did not see them. So I speeded up again and then there were yellow flags in the braking area for Turn 6 which was far too late. I thought we had the same problem as this morning when there was an accident and no yellow flag in Turn 1. I was really on the limit. I touched the brakes a little bit harder to slow down enough for the situation and that's why I lost the back end. It was not actually a heavy impact as I did not hit the wall, so it was just a gentle roll and I am fine. When I looked at the track yesterday, I did feel there was a problem with the run off area as there was a step down from the grass to the gravel. But for that, the consequences of the accident, which looked more spectacular than it was, would have been far less serious. Apart from that, the car feels very good and we were quick right from the start. Today has confirmed the good results we achieved in winter testing and so I am very confident for the race."

-Ferrari-