Ferrari, one of the longest-running and most successful Formula One teams of all time, is steeped in tradition and exudes charisma. Its internal politics, fanned by the close attentions of the Italian press, continue to amaze and entertain the paddock. Quite simply, the Grand Prix world would be completely different without Ferrari.

Team founder Enzo Ferrari initially ran cars for Alfa Romeo, but, after World War II, his racers bore his own name. First success came in 1951, and the wins have been piling up ever since - the odd super-successful season punctuated by too many when the scarlet cars have not fulfilled their potential.

Nevertheless, nine drivers' titles and eight constructors' crowns are an enduring achievement, and the team remains the sport's most successful, with 119 wins. Sadly, since Enzo's death in 1988, the team has struggled to stay at the front of the pack, despite huge budgets. Ex-Peugeot man Jean Todt was hired to bring some order to the team and, despite a continued lack of results, the little Frenchman steadily brought together the pieces that would transform Ferrari back to prominence.

For 1996, the team had the benefit of the world's leading driver in Michael Schumacher, but poor mid-season reliability meant it was unable to challenge for the title. Brilliant driving by Schumacher at a drenched Spanish Grand Prix, and victories on merit at Spa and Monza meant that the team looked positively to 1997. It would turn out to be one of their most successful seasons of the last 20 years, with Schumacher almost clinching the team's first drivers' title since Jody Scheckter in 1979. Five inspired wins allied with numerous points finishes had Schumacher leading the drivers' championship before the controversial collision with title-rival Jacques Villeneuve at Jerez that left the German in the gravel and, ultimately, excluded from the championship.

Even greater potential was shown in 1998, when Ferrari used superb reliability, exceptional development by Goodyear and a great chassis to challenge McLaren right up until the final round. But driving errors by Schumacher had left the team needing some major good luck to deny McLaren the drivers' and constructors' title. When Schumacher stalled on the grid and then his tyre exploded after a meteoric driver, the team's chances disappeared once again. Better luck in 1999, perhaps?