Technical Director Ross Brawn raised the possibility months ago and now Ferrari has confirmed it. The reigning world champions will kick off the season in Melbourne using last year's car, with minor modifications to comply with this year's small changes to the technical regulations.

"The new F2002 car has proved to be very quick right from the start, but we do not have sufficient time at our disposal to be entirely sure about its total reliability for the first round of the season," said team boss Jean Todt. "Therefore, we have decided to go to Melbourne with the F2001, which even in this winter's tests, has proved to be very competitive and reliable. We think it will be able to bring home valuable points for the championship."