It may have been a long time since the famous Scarlet car dominated the drivers world championship and the constructors world championship.

But the men from Maranello are not in a mood to sit back on their laurels.

After launching the 2001 car, team director Jean Todt said: "We are still incredibly motivated; even more than last year in fact.

"There is less pressure, but there is an even stronger desire to fight to keep the Number One."

World champion Michael Schumacher added: "I do not have much to say: the two titles say it all.

"I have learned that winning the championship with Ferrari is something special."

Rubens Barrichello, whose arrival at the start of 2000 did much to cement team spirit, said: "2000 was a fantastic year: it was a great experience for me to finally find myself at the wheel of a car capable of winning.

"On paper, this one also looks like a winner and I will try my hardest to make it one."

Ferrari will expect another tough challenge from the McLaren this season and extenseive testing has taken place during the winter in the 2000 car while last-minute modifications were being made to the new version.

Schumacher has been keen to work with the Bridgestone tyres for the season opener in Melbourne.

With the Schumacher-Barrichello staring its second season, hopes will be high amongst the Italain 'tifosi' that a second 'double' will be brought back to Maranello at the end of the year.

Ferrari factfile (at start of 2001 season)
2000 Constructors' World Championship position: First (170 points)
1999 Constructors' World Championship position: Second (128 points)
First Grand Prix: 1950 Monaco (World Championship)
First Grand Prix Victory: 1951 Great Britain (World Championship)
Most recent Grand Prix victory: 2000 Malaysia
Total Grand Prix entered: 619
Total points scored: 2354.5
Constructors' World Championships: 9 - 1961, 1964, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1982, 1983, 2000
Driver's World Championships: 10 - 1952, 1953, 1956, 1958, 1961, 1964, 1975, 1977, 1979, 2000
Best Results: Victories 133, Second 169, Third 153, Fourth 120, Fifth 79, Sixth 68
Pole Positions: 134
Fastest race laps: 143

The team was founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929, using Alfa Romeos in the early days. Ferrari produced their own cars for the 1948 Monza race. They are now determined to return to the top, and regain the form which brought eight constructors' and nine drivers' crowns.