The Formula One season may be three months away but Michael Schumacher is already testing Ferrari's blacked-out new car at Maranello in Italy.

A brief glimpse of the future of Ferrari, but black disguise unlikely to catch on

The media was banned from attending the session to keep new developments hidden from rivals but Italian television and a few photographers managed to catch a glimpse.

The black paintwork - hiding Ferrari's traditional blood-red colours - ensured no one could see exactly what the Italian team has planned for next year.

First blood

Meanwhile, the world constructors' champions, Williams, was selecting its test driver from a shortlist of four.

The Formula One hopefuls looking for their first taste of the sport - Juan Montoya, Brazil's Max Wilson, and the two Frenchmen, Soheil Ayari and Nicolas Minassian, were each given the lowdown on the Williams during two days of testing.

Williams test driver Juan Montoya could be one to watch

Colombian Montoya, runner-up in this year's Formula 3000, won the test driver's berth, a position that can often lead to a full driver's spot on the circuit.

For now though, he must be content to lurk in the shadow of World Champion Jacques Villeneuve and number two Heinz Harald Frentzen.

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