“I
am very happy that the drive test of the “Enzo Ferrari” has started on
the day following Schumacher’s taking of the Drivers’ title,” said Montezemolo.
“This is actually a car with historical significance for our Company, not
just because it carries the name of the creator of the Ferrari legend,
but also because of all it represents in terms of innovation, of the styling
entrusted to Pininfarina, in terms of the materials used and in its performance.
But of all, because it represents a very close collaboration between the
Gestione Industriale and the Gestione Sportiva.”
“Formula 1 know-how and technology were the key to creating the entire car, both in terms of chassis and engine and aerodynamics and electronics,” explained Amedeo Felisa. “The “Enzo Ferrari” can reach a top speed of around 350 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.65s. The 12 cylinder 5998 cc engine, puts out 660 horsepowerat 7800 rpm. The aerodynamic downforce generates 775 kilos at 300 km/h but is also effective at more useable speeds (334 kg at 200 km/h.”)
The “Enzo Ferrari” is the result of exemplary integration between the two different areas of this company, in a perfect spirit of collaboration which is an integral part of Ferrari,” continued Jean Todt. “Michael Schumacher has completed a high mileage at the wheel of the “Enzo” to test it and assess its performance. His contribution played an important part in the development of the car.” Also present in the presentation room at the Fiorano circuit where the press drives will take place, were representatives of those companies who have been technical partners on the Enzo project: Bridgestone who produced tyres specifically developed for the “Enzo Ferrari,” Brembo who produced the F1-type carbon-ceramic discs; Magneti-Marelli, who helped produce the car’s F1-type gear change and OMR, the makers of the light alloy pedal box, fully adjustable to suit the driver. Ferrari is a company with two sides: the one which builds dream road cars and the other which wins on race tracks around the world, contributing to the Prancing Horse legend.
“When today’s date was set for the press launch of the “Enzo Ferrari,” no one could have known that it would turn out to be the day after Michael was crowned World Champion with six races still to go,” underlined Montezemolo. “At the start of the Formula 1 season, I said to myself that we would have to do our best, even it seemed difficult to do better than in 2001. We did just that and thanks to adriver like Michael, the best Ferrari driver of all time, we have made history. The last millennium closed under the sign of Ferrari when we took the Constructors’ title in 1999. By winning two consecutive World Championships, both Constructors’ and Drivers in 2000 and 2001 and with this victory in the 2002 Driver’s, the new millennium has started and continues under the Ferrari sign.”
