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Monday, 07 January 2008 |
Ferrari F2008 unveiled
The F2008 is the fifty fourth single-seater built by Ferrari specifically to take part in the Formula 1 World Championship. The design, codenamed internally as the 659, represents the Scuderia's interpretation of the regulations in force in 2008. A major new element of these is the introduction of a new electronic system to be used by all teams, known as SECU (Standard Electronic Control Unit), developed by MES (McLaren Electronic Systems).
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It consists of a single control unit and a software system, the development of which ends as the season begins. Other areas affected by rule changes are: gearbox, which must be used for four consecutive events; safety, with the introduction of higher side protection around the driver's helmet; materials, with a limit to the type of composites that can be used. As a result of these rules, there has been an increase in the weight of the car. All aerodynamic surfaces have been completely revised, however the current version will be replaced by a completely different configuration in time for the first race. In fact, an intensive and all encompassing development programme is planned to run throughout the season. The monococque has been further cut away under the driver's legs and the side pods and engine cover are more tapered. The suspension system has been reworked and developed around the new aerodynamics.
 The wheelbase and weight distribution have been adapted to meet the challenge of the new regulations and on the basis of lessons learned last year in terms of the performance of the Bridgestone tyres. Changes to the technical and sporting regulations in terms of electronics, alongside the introduction of the SECU, have led to the removal of a host of a driver aids, such as traction control and engine breaking and the electronically assosted starting system, and also mean that management of the differential, engine and gearchange are much simpler. The gearbox casing is produced in carbon, while the transmission continues to be mounted longitudinally. For the second consecutive year the gearchange is fitted with a quick shift system, adapted to the SECU software and further speeded up. In dealing with the reliability aspect of the new regulations, Shell has played a key role in defining the lubricants for the gearbox. The braking system has been updated with new callipers and innovative concepts regarding cooling.
 The 056 engine is mounted longitudinally and continues as a load bearing element. Its basic structure remains unchanged compared to the unit homologated at the start of last season, while its auxiliary systems, air and fuel intakes have been further developed. The technical regulations also call for the use of fuel corresponding to European Union norms, with a content of components derived from biological sources equal to 5.75%. As usual, during the design and development stages of the entire car, our technical partners played an important role. Apart from previously mentioned significant input from Shell , also worthy of note is the contribution of the Fiat Research Centre, especially in providing simulation systems and Brembo for its work in developing the braking system. As is now traditional, a great deal of attention was paid to the performance and optimising of the materials used at the design stage and through quality control, striving to maximise performance levels while attaining the highest possible safety standards
Ferrari technical director Aldo Costa presented the latest modifications of the F2008, and explained just how focused the team has been on the aerodynamics of its new car.
"For the F2008 we mainly worked on the aerodynamics, which are completely different to the ones from the season 2007, but there are still some elements which are identical to the F2007," Costa said. "All the aerodynamic surfaces have been completely updated. The body is more concave, the engine cover has a different profile to improve the efficiency and resolve some problems we had on circuits such as Monte Carlo, Hungary and Canada. We've also done some major work on the electronics and the control systems. This year we have to use an integrated central system and an MES (Mechanics and Electronics System). Thus we had to review the electronic layout of the car and try to figure it out without any help from the drivers, such as the traction control and some other controls."
"We've been working a lot on the gearbox, which has to be used for four races in a row this year," he added. "We changed the dimension to improve its lifetime; but we've worked also on the suspension, to improve the lifetime of the whole car."
 World champion Kimi Raikkonen expects a fun season this year with more overtaking given Formula One's new rules outlawing traction control.
Other enforced changes include gearbox and driver protection innovations which mean Ferrari's F2008 car is heavier this year. The weight distribution and wheelbase have also been altered after lessons learned from the performance of the Bridgestone tyres last year while there is an almost completely new aerodynamic design which will be developed further.
But the lack of traction control and the potential for more crashes is the biggest issue for the world champions ahead of the first race in Melbourne on March 16.
"Now traction control is not going to help you but for me it will be a lot more fun. I think there will be an easier chance to overtake as people will make more mistakes," Raikkonen told a news conference. "The sport is dangerous anyway. It doesn't matter if you have traction control or not. If you think it is too dangerous you probably shouldn't be in the sport. It is more tricky for sure, you need to be awake more of the time."
The Finn's team mate Felipe Massa was less positive about the changes and said drivers had asked for safety assurances from the FIA, Formula One's governing body. "We had an email exchange but we haven't tested the car yet. The GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers' Association) has for sure been trying to increase safety levels. This is a very important change. It will have to be a smoother driving style," said the Brazilian, who was still enamoured with the new Ferrari.
"My expectations are very high. When you first look at the car it is a special moment. It is like seeing a child being born. Now we have to let this child grow and grow as quickly as possible."
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