Prost Teams and Minardi present new F1 cars

Four-time drivers champion Alain Prost was full of optimism as his outfit unveiled their new AP04 challenger at Albert Park, the scene of Sunday's race. The car uses an engine supplied by Ferrari. "I feel we are finally ready to step up and achieve credible gains this year," said the Frenchman, who has been owner since 1997 but saw his team fail to gain a single point last season. "In the pre-season, the team and its technical partners Ferrari and Michelin have worked very hard and their efforts have paid off."

Prost's drivers are experienced Frenchman Jean Alesi and Argentinian newcomer Gaston Mazzacane. The Italian team Minardi launched its new F1 PS01 in front of the parliament building in Melbourne, the birthplace of new owner Paul Stoddardt, who recently took over the financially troubled outfit. The car uses the same Ford engine as last year.

Minardi also failed to make the points last season and their drivers in 2001 are Tarso Marques of Brazil, who competed for the team in 12 races in 1996 and 1997, and Formula One novice, Fernando Alonso of Spain. Arrows will officially unveil their car on Thursday as the final team to do so.

(la/dpa)