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Careful Evolution: The New F2001 is Launched
29.1.01
Reigning World Champion Michael Schumacher, teammate Rubens Barrichello, test driver Luca Badoer and the entire Ferrari hierarchy have unveiled Ferrari's 2001 Grand Prix challenger, the F2001, at Fiorano.
To rapturous applause from a distinguished guest list which included local government members, the media and 600 invited visitors, the trio of drivers pulled the wraps off the car which Ferrari hopes will bring them their third Constructors' championship and their second Drivers' championship in a row.
In comparison to other teams, however, Ferrari had very little new to show - and they were proud of it. Management, drivers and technicians are all the same. The car and engine are developments from last year, and the same tyre contract is maintained. Indeed, all the team reponsibilities are as they were last year when the team won their two World Championships.
Here are some of the key statements made during the presentations:
Michael Schumacher:
My motivation couldn't possibly be higher, I'm more relaxed because the weight has been taken off my shoulders, but I'm constantly improving and getting better and I can't see a time when it's going to get worse.
Ross Brawn:
I am very pleased that we have again maintained a stable organization to face the new season. Every team strives to improve but the value of stability cannot be underestimated.
This team at Ferrari is maturing. The group is getting stronger. The stability in our organisation is allowing our staff to work to the strengths and weakness in each other. This is the best Ferrari we have created. Each year gets better and every car is a further credit to the team and staff of Ferrari. People outside of Ferrari have asked, is it time to relax now that we have won the Championships? Will our team be so competitive? Will we still be hungry for success? I have watched our staff during this winter and during the design, manufacture and assembly of this car. I have seen their enthusiasm. Every person in this team will commit every resource it can and work every hour that is necessary to retain these Championships. We never give up and we never stop trying to win. Forza Ferrari!
Rory Byrne:
As always it is very difficult to be specific about detail of the new car because of confidentiality, however, let me explain some items:
1. Aerodynamics:
Because of the fundamental importance of aerodynamic efficiency, there has been extensive development in all areas of the car, particularly around the front wing as you can see, and the rear wing system.
2. Chassis:
In order not to compromise aerodynamic performance, the shape of the side crash structures has been extensively researched as well as the construction details to be as weight efficient as possible while being capable of absorbing 100 % more energy than last year. The monocoque structure itself has been extensively revised in order to withstand a 60% increase in roll hoop load, this load now being applied in forward and rearward directions, as well as increased loads on the cockpit rim due to the side crash requirements. The monocoque side panels are capable of withstanding four times the load and absorbing four times more energy in case of a side impact than last year’s car.
3. Suspension:
Although the basic layout of front and rear suspension remains unchanged, there has been a fundamental review of all the major suspension components and many components including front wishbones and uprights have been manufactured using new methods.
4. Transmission:
The transmission remains basically unchanged with modifications to the lubrication system to improve efficiency. However, a completely new transmission featuring new casing and internal parts is being designed and will be evaluated mid-season.
5. Systems:
Water and oil systems have been designed to suit the cooling requirements of the new engine and there is provision in the rear bulkhead for the centrally mounted oil tank in front of the engine. There have also been refinements to the hydraulic system. The electronics have also been reviewed bearing in mind the changes to engine and gearbox management regulations from the Barcelona GP onwards.
Paolo Martinelli:
The 050 engine project has three main features:
1. We have tried to maintain all the strong points of the 049 power unit used in 2000, evolving from its final qualifying version, the 049C.
2. We have nevertheless revised the entire structure of the engine, so that its main components are therefore new. The engine block was produced with a refined micro-casting process. The heads are more compact and lowered, the camshafts and crankshaft have been redesigned from a clean sheet of paper.
3.We have introduced some innovative materials, employing them where best suited to specific applications. This has resulted in an overall reduction of 8% in weight when compared with its predecessor.
As usual, the exact horsepower figure will not be revealed, but I can assure you that all Ferrari's engine staff have worked in determined and methodical fashion to ensure that it is sufficient, and delivered in a driveable and reliable manner.
Jean Todt:
We are sure that the fight will be even harder this year. Probably, our main opponents will be the same ones we have faced for the past three years, with the possible addition of those teams which have progressed in the recent past. The arrival of the giants of the motor industry on the Formula 1 stage will make life even more difficult.
It will be important to have the necessary technical and financial resources. I would like to thank all our shareholders and our President, who have always provided us with the best working conditions. Naturally, the support of all our sponsors and technical suppliers has been an equally determining factor in our success.
Today, the most important factor is stability, both on the technical front and in terms of our driver line-up. We have all grown together over the past few years: the team has been solid and united since 1997, getting ever stronger. Now, we are working to maintain this structure for the next few year, because the key to success is undoubtedly the stability of the team. This is our strength and we want to keep it for the future.
Luca di Montezemolo:
This is always an important day. To experience it as World Champions is even better.I am happy to be able to share it with all our people. I dedicate our successes to those who knew how to wait and have faith in us - our shareholders. I also want to thank our sponsors and suppliers. In order to be competitive one has to have the best companies in the world. Those who have been the most patient are our fans. They deserve to be thanked for never losing their passion, even through the most difficult times. I offer you all my thanks!
We want to win the 2000 World Championship. We have the ability, the will, the determination and the enthusiasm. We have everything we need, the means, the partner, the shareholders and the fans. We have very good drivers. The team will stay like this for a long time. Everyone, without exception will stay at Ferrari.We went through some really difficult times last year, as was the case just before Monza. I thank Todt for what he was able to do and I also thank everyone else. Now, everyone back to work!"
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