F1: Ferrari to unveil car on Sunday
New car and new team mark a new era at the Scuderia
(ANSA) - Maranello, January 12 - Scuderia Ferrari will unveil its new car for the 2007 Formula 1 season on Sunday at its Fiorano test track, it was confirmed here.
Although no one knows what it will look like, the team said it had pushed technical restrictions "to the limit".
"It's an innovative car. Because our rivals are so strong, we have had to work on the aerodynamics, suspension and materials and I think we have a good starting point," Ferrari's new technical director Mario Almondo explained.
"In doing this we had to push our interpretation of the regulations to the limit. There is a new gearbox and there are a few major technical innovations," he added.
Almondo made his remarks at Ferrari's pre-season press conference in the Alpine resort of Madonna di Campiglio, which now traditionally precedes the car's unveiling. Ferrari is heading into the 2007 season not only with a new car, but also a whole new first string team: on the track, in the paddock and at the factory.
Ferrari's 'dream team', which won six straight constructors' titles and five consecutive drivers' championships for Michael Schumacher, broke up at the end of the last season, the second in a row without any titles.
Team principal Jean Todt was promoted to Ferrari CEO, technical director Ross Brawn retired and Schumacher quit driving but has stayed as a consultant.
Their departures resulted in a major reshuffling of responsibilities and team policy orchestrated by Ferrari Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo.
Although Almondo replaced Brawn as technical director, he plans to spend more time at the factory dealing with preparation and did not assume Brawn's role as pit strategist. This task has fallen to Luca Baldisseri, Ferrari's former race engineer.
Stefano Domenicali has take over Todt's duties as sporting director and will be responsible for relationships with race and federation officials, Scuderia staff and will act as team chief at the track.
Nevertheless, he freely admits that should Todt show up at the track, the CEO will be the boss. Even though Kimi Raikkonen was called in to replace Schumacher, he will be on equal footing with Felipe Massa, Schumacher's teammate last season. This at least until one of the two gains a clear advantage in the standings.
In regards's to Schumacher's future role, Domenicali explained that "Michael is part of Ferrari's heritage. As an advisor to Ferrari, he can do what he likes".
"He knows so much. But in the end the decisions will only be taken by those who are specifically responsible for certain areas," he added.
In regards to rumours that Brawn's retirement may only be temporary, Almondo replied "our policy at Ferrari is that there's always a role for outstanding people in our team. "He will always be considered part of the team, but it's up to him to decide exactly what his role will be. It's a question for Ross, not for me".
The 2007 Formula 1 season starts March 18 in Melbourne with the Australian Grand Prix.
(ANSA) - Maranello, January 12 - Scuderia Ferrari will unveil its new car for the 2007 Formula 1 season on Sunday at its Fiorano test track, it was confirmed here.
Although no one knows what it will look like, the team said it had pushed technical restrictions "to the limit".
"It's an innovative car. Because our rivals are so strong, we have had to work on the aerodynamics, suspension and materials and I think we have a good starting point," Ferrari's new technical director Mario Almondo explained.
"In doing this we had to push our interpretation of the regulations to the limit. There is a new gearbox and there are a few major technical innovations," he added.
Almondo made his remarks at Ferrari's pre-season press conference in the Alpine resort of Madonna di Campiglio, which now traditionally precedes the car's unveiling. Ferrari is heading into the 2007 season not only with a new car, but also a whole new first string team: on the track, in the paddock and at the factory.
Ferrari's 'dream team', which won six straight constructors' titles and five consecutive drivers' championships for Michael Schumacher, broke up at the end of the last season, the second in a row without any titles.
Team principal Jean Todt was promoted to Ferrari CEO, technical director Ross Brawn retired and Schumacher quit driving but has stayed as a consultant.
Their departures resulted in a major reshuffling of responsibilities and team policy orchestrated by Ferrari Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo.
Although Almondo replaced Brawn as technical director, he plans to spend more time at the factory dealing with preparation and did not assume Brawn's role as pit strategist. This task has fallen to Luca Baldisseri, Ferrari's former race engineer.
Stefano Domenicali has take over Todt's duties as sporting director and will be responsible for relationships with race and federation officials, Scuderia staff and will act as team chief at the track.
Nevertheless, he freely admits that should Todt show up at the track, the CEO will be the boss. Even though Kimi Raikkonen was called in to replace Schumacher, he will be on equal footing with Felipe Massa, Schumacher's teammate last season. This at least until one of the two gains a clear advantage in the standings.
In regards's to Schumacher's future role, Domenicali explained that "Michael is part of Ferrari's heritage. As an advisor to Ferrari, he can do what he likes".
"He knows so much. But in the end the decisions will only be taken by those who are specifically responsible for certain areas," he added.
In regards to rumours that Brawn's retirement may only be temporary, Almondo replied "our policy at Ferrari is that there's always a role for outstanding people in our team. "He will always be considered part of the team, but it's up to him to decide exactly what his role will be. It's a question for Ross, not for me".
The 2007 Formula 1 season starts March 18 in Melbourne with the Australian Grand Prix.
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