Ferrari (shell.com/home/Framework?siteId=ferrari-en)

As with the Williams team, Ferrari really needs no preview. Winners of the past 5 Constructors Championships and Drivers Titles with Michael Schumacher this team has achieved the top of the mountain and look poised to stay there.

Ferrari chose to do most of their preseason testing in private at their home track so there wasn’t a lot of data to judge by. However, in the final testing session at Imola, with other top teams present, the Scuderia beat all comers.

Ferrari has a new chassis this year, the F2004, that is drawing rave reviews from both Schumacher and Rubens Barichello. With Ferrari power and Bridgestone tyres the team is once again the mark by which all others will be measured.

Last season Ferrari won 8 races. Schumacher won his 6th title while Barichello finished fourth. As much of a wimpy puss that I think Schumacher is, I can’t deny his or his teams ability. I would really like to see the team give Rubens more of a chance, but that isn’t likely to happen.

Back in 1999 when Ferrari shook off the stink that had followed the team for years I thought it was a very cool thing. Now, whenever I see the flags, Jean Todt looking up at the monitor, or hear an air horn I want to puke. But the fact remains, these guys are at the top of their game in every aspect.

2004 once again shapes up to be a Ferrari year. Williams, McLaren and Renault all have a ways to go to beat them. It can be done. It just remains to be seen if it will be done.