New rules prompt Ferrari concern

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Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali admits that the biggest F1 rule changes for 25 years create a "big question" for his team going into the 2009 season.

New car regulations have been brought in aimed at making overtaking easier and improving the quality of racing.

"It is a great concern, when you start from a blank piece of paper, you really don't know," Domenicali told BBC Sport.

"Others can be more aggressive or more naïve... so from the performance point of view, it's a big question."

All cars must comply with the new rules, which include aerodynamic modifications making front wings bulkier and rear wings taller and narrower.

Slick, untreaded tyres are also being reintroduced after 11 years on grooved tyres, and teams have the option of employing a kinetic energy recovery system (Kers).

Ferrari were the first constructor to unveil their new car for 2009, and its F60 model has been run briefly by drivers Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikonen at their Mugello test track.

The new regulations also prohibit testing once the season is under way.

Ferrari has traditionally tested its cars more than other teams because it has its own circuit.

"This means we have to completely change the way we are working," said Domenicali, adding that Ferrari are reluctant to make predictions about the new season, which starts at the end of March in Melbourne.

"We are very cautious and humble," he said, "because we need to see where we are and understand the situation, and we respect our competitors a lot.

"For sure, this year will be a very difficult championship."