Arch-rivals salute Ferrari

By Andrew Benson
Motorsport editor

F1 PREVIEW 2004 Schumacher and Ferrari have set new standards in Formula One Team profile: Ferrari Driver profile: M Schumacher

The current Ferrari team are the greatest ever to race in Formula One, according to arch-rivals Williams.

Michael Schumacher's team were paid the compliment on the eve of the new season, in which the German is going for a record fifth consecutive title.

Williams technical director Patrick Head said: "I've never seen an act like that in all the time I've been in F1.

"This year there is the potential for them to be beaten, but if anyone does they will have done an amazing job."

Boss Frank Williams said it would be his team's greatest achievement if they managed to beat Ferrari to the world championship while Michael Schumacher was driving for them.

"F1 is harder now. Ferrari have raised the game. They are such a formidable team," Williams said.

Head paid tribute to the success and longevity of the partnership at Ferrari between Schumacher, technical director Ross Brawn, chief designer Rory Byrne, sporting director Jean Todt and engine boss Paolo Martinelli.

Williams interview: 'Ferrari in our sights'

Paying tribute to their run of five consecutive constructors' titles and four drivers' crowns in a row, he hailed them as a "real class act".

But Head said he thought the reason the team had stayed together for so long - since early 1997 - was because of Schumacher's genius in the cockpit.

"Usually in that situation someone pays the golden egg for someone to disappear, but they've all stayed there," Head said.

"And one has to look to Michael for that.

"I don't think Ross Brawn and Rory Byrne would have stayed in that position for such a long time were it not for Michael - they know whatever work they do is going to have his total application and commitment.

"Our current drivers [Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya] are very good but they would know themselves that neither are as integrated in the development of the team as Michael is."

Williams and Head believe Ferrari will again be the team to beat when this season starts in Melbourne this weekend.