Ferrari to launch unseen F1 car on Sunday

(GMM) The world will get its first glimpse of Ferrari's 2007 formula one car on 14 January.

Numerous media sources, including the major European newspaper Bild and Italian news agency Ansa, reported that the team's first post-Schumacher single seater will be presented at its Maranello headquarters this Sunday.

On Monday, Felipe Massa will then give the new car its track debut at Fiorano, Ferrari's private test circuit, the reports said.

Sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport added that the testing will continue on Tuesday, also with Massa at the wheel.

There are some suggestions, however, that the car itself will not actually be present at Sunday's official event, and that only official photographs will be presented to the assembled media.

Contrary to some reports that say the new Ferrari may not be 'ready' for the launch, though, it is understood that the car's possible absence on Sunday will be more to do with the Italian team wanting to control how much of the red single seater is able to be seen by the world's media and F1 rivals.

Photographers, for instance, have been banned for the Fiorano debut.

The car's official launch and test debut follows this week's traditional 'Vroom' event for Ferrari drivers and the media at the Italian ski resort Madonna di Campiglio.

It will be the first time Kimi Raikkonen will be seen in red gear, although the Finn is not expected to make his test debut in the new Ferrari until later this month.