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Aldo Costa, Head
of the Chassis Department of the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro,
and Gilles Simon, Head of the Engine Department, started a
series of meetings with the press on the day of the preview
of the new F2007.
Aldo Costa: "The methodology of the project and the
development of the car has been under the sign of
continuity. Last year we adopted an aggressive approach and
this year we will work with the same rhythm in development
as in 2006. This was our aim and we hit our target.
"The aerodynamics have been completely remodelled; above all
the front suspension, the air inlets on the main body and
the rear axle are tighter and more tapered, to benefit also
from the new architecture of the gear box. We worked a lot
on the chassis considering the new crash tests, which are
much more severe. With satisfaction we can say that we have
reached excellent results in terms of safety. The suspension
has been revised also under the aspect of new tyres, while
the gear box has a new quick shift system, which will avert
time loss during gear-changes. This system lowers the time
of gear change, works for all gears and in every condition.
We have also modified the disposition and the inclination of
the radiator. As far as the rear suspension is concerned, it
is continuing to evolve.
"At the chassis department there are around 200 people
working: an exceptional and enthusiastic group. They work
with determination and respect; without a doubt producing
great team work. Obviously I can't name everybody, but I
have to mention Nikolas Tombazis, our Chief Designer;
Tiziano Battistini, Head of the Technical Department, John
Iley, Head of Aerodynamics, supported by Marco De Luca;
Marco Fainello, Head of the Car Performance Division; Simone
Resta, Head of the R&D Department and last but not least
Davide Terletti, who is responsible for the crash tests.
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In accordance with the regulations that come into force this
year, the basic structure of the engine remains the same as
the one homologated at the end of last season. Therefore,
the 056 engine continues as a load bearing member and is
again mounted longitudinally. |
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The F2007 chassis has been significantly modified
when compared to the 248 F1. The design was revised
to accommodate a new front suspension that
represents a major conceptual innovation, mainly in
terms of aerodynamics. |
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"Today's car is the one that will debut and has the same
wings as the one in 2006. The car, which will go to start at
the first GP, will have optimized wings, while this is just
a provisional version. The F2007 is however definitive in
its structure. In constructing and developing this race car
the FIAT research centre is of very high importance, as it
gives us a huge amount of support. We have worked a lot with
the simulator they developed over the last couple of years
and we will continue on that road."
Gilles Simon: "As according to the rules the engine
056 has remained the same. But we were able to adapt it to
the rev limits of 19,000 rpm. We have revised the combustion
chamber, the valves, the crank shaft and the piston, to
optimize the available output before arriving at the rpm
limit. Further we have worked on the integration of the
engine into the car: the water and oil inlets have been
revised, as has the positioning of some accessories, to
adjust to the very compact rear axle of the 658.
"We have collaborated strongly with Shell, and we are
continuing to work on the fuel development. As far as the
fuels are concerned we have been continuously progressing.
The lubricants have been helping us for a long time in terms
of reliability, while from March onwards we also want to
work on bettering the performance. On the 1st March we will
hand over a sealed engine, to which we can't do anything
else. We will then try to work on the accessories, the air
inlet and, as I just mentioned, the fuel and the
lubricants."
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