Friday March 1st, 2002

After just one practice day of the 2002 season, Williams team boss Frank Williams has revealed he believes that World Champions Ferrari are already looking strong.

Michael Schumacher's dominance in Australia, as he set the fastest time of the day, has sent a determined message to the rest of the teams. And Williams admitted: "What we did learn yet again, unfortunately, was that Ferrari are in a class of their own."

The Grove-based Williams team managed to claim third and fourth fastest times, with Ralf Schumacher beating Juan Pablo Montoya. Schumacher was more than 1.5 seconds behind his brother Michael, but despite that, Williams believes there is more to come.

"A lot more will be found by most of the people on the track today, tomorrow and in future races," Williams said.

Ferrari chief Jean Todt is now looking forward to seeing the real pace of the Ferrari F2001, which has been further developed since last year's season-ending Japanese Grand Prix.

"It will be interesting to see what we do with the 2001 car," said Todt. "I don't say that we will be able to compete for the win, but we should be in quite a good position."

Published at 10:32:52 GMT