Michael Schumacher’s motivation continues to mystify the F1 media, but the German is equally mystified that people should question his desire to keep racing. "I don’t feel like an old guy," he told reporters at yesterday's launch. "I still enjoy racing and it feels natural and fun. It is no longer a question of trying to reach the top."

As soon as the launch was over, Schumacher was heading for Australia for the first race and he admitted that it might be a slight disadvantage to race there with the F2004 M.

"Of course, I would have liked to have the new car immediately," he admitted. "Maybe it means we have slightly less chance to win, but with 19 races this will be a long season. We have taken a decision that is a compromise, but I think many of the other teams would like to have our compromise! We are well prepared." The results of winter testing suggest the opposition will be closer.

"But for me, my most feared rival is him," said the German, pointing at Rubens Barrichello sitting next to him.

The Brazilian is keen to get to Melbourne and start racing. "Only when we get to Melbourne will we see what the new order is among the teams," said the Brazilian. "That is when we will see where we stand and in what areas we need to improve, if indeed we need to improve."

Asked to single out which team he thought might pose the greatest threat to Ferrari, Barrichello suggested Renault. "From what we have seen in winter testing, they are quick over a single lap and also quick over a long distance."

Barrichello is relaxed about tackling the new race weekend timetable. "It is just something else for us to adapt to," he said, referring to the fact that final qualifying now takes place on race morning. "I will enjoy the challenge of having to put in a quick lap the very first time I go out on track on Sunday morning. In practical terms, it just means we will be a bit busier and have less chance to relax a bit before the race. My main hope is that the new format is interesting and easy to understand for the spectators. We will have to learn the best way of getting the most out of the Bridgestone tyres during qualifying."

And what did he think of the new car? "I watched it being assembled. At this stage, I cannot pick out one special element on it, but overall it was a great feeling seeing the new car come together, knowing all the work that has gone into producing it."