Michael Schumacher's Ferrari team will decide later this week whether to unleash their 2002 challenger at the next race after his win in the Australian Grand Prix in last year's car.
The German triumphed in Melbourne after brother Ralf used the rear of Rubens Barrichello's Ferrari like a high-speed water-ski jump to go flying in his Williams-BMW and spark an eight-car crash at the opening corner.
Schumacher escaped the Albert Park mayhem to clinch the 54th victory of his career and make the perfect start to his bid for that record-equalling fifth drivers' crown.
The win by almost 19 seconds from Juan Pablo Montoya in the other Williams while David Coulthard's campaign began with a retirement in his McLaren has taken the pressure off Ferrari.
The Italian team would not risk the 2002 car, expected to be much faster, breaking down in the season opener.
"We honestly did not expect to win the first race though we wanted to be competitive," said sporting director Jean Todt. "I do not care if our rivals are now concerned, I only worry about my team.
"This does take some pressure off us now. If we had been uncompetitive and behind on pace then we would have been in a difficult situation," Todt said.
"We will test the new car in Mugello until Saturday and then decide about Malaysia. We would have no problem getting the car there for the race the following week".