The new Formula 1 car is called the F2002. It was presented to the racing world in the production plant at Maranello. Shareholders, sponsors, dealers, journalists and, of course, the team behind the creation of the car gathered together as the star of the day was revealed on a rotating podium.

In dramatic fashion Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello made their entrance at the wheel of a brand new 575MM. The team's two test drivers, Luca Badoer and Luciano Burti, were unfortunately not able to attend due to their testing work at Mugello. Jean Todt then mounted the podium to welcome the drivers and invited them to lift the red sheet and reveal the F2002.

As always, on a slightly synthetic occassion like this, it is difficult to pick through the spin but here are some of the more noteworthy comments:

Rubens Barrichello, maybe under a little pressure to perform this season, spoke next: "I will give and do everything I can to bring this car to victory," he declared before handing the microphone to the World Champion Michael Schumacher:

"I am happy to be here", exclaimed Michael. "The motivation and objectives are the same: we want to be World Champion again. There is nothing better than winning with Ferrari and I will do everything possible so that we can continue winning together."

The presentation included a speech from the Luca di Montezemolo, who thanked all those responsible for the new car, from its closest collaborators to the sponsors and shareholders. Paolo Fresco, President of Fiat and Paolo Cantarella, Fiat Managing Director, were also present.

Rory Byrne, the F2002's designer, explained some of the car's features: "The side pods, radiator layout, exhaust system, rear suspension and rear end aerodynamics are fundamentally new. This has enabled us to make a step forward both in terms of aerodynamic performance and cooling efficiency. The transmission is completely new, both in terms of the materials used for the casing and the major internal parts as well as the gear selection mechanism itself. This has resulted in a transmission which is significantly shorter and lighter and has a smoother, faster gearshift. A prototype version of this gearbox has been on test since September 2001.

"The chassis is completely new, both in terms of shape and in terms of construction which has resulted in a considerable weight saving. There is a fundamentally new power steering system to comply with the new 2002 regulations forbidding the use of electronically controlled power steering. Again, a prototype version has been successfully tested on the F2001. Both front and rear suspension have been revised to maximise the performance of the Bridgestone tyres. The inboard end of the rear suspension has been completely revised to optimise the rear end aerodynamics. Almost all of the suspension components have been manufactured using new materials and manufacturing methods in order to reduce weight".

Ross Brawn tackled the tricky subject of whether the tean would start the season with the 2001 car: "Because this is a year when we could run the old car, we decided to prolong the development to ensure we made an appreciable step in performance. This has resulted in a shorter period of testing before the first race. We will use the next 20 days to run the car at Fiorano and Mugello and then make our decision based on the normal parameters of performance and reliability".

Engine wizard Paolo Martinelli explained the three main principles applied to the design of the new 051 engine: "Firstly, we ensured we maintained all the strong points of its 2001 predecessor, the 050. Secondly, in order to ensure the necessary step forward for this year, we did however revise all the main engine components. The architecture of the 050 proved successful and was thus retained. The block was made using the latest refined micro-casting technology. The cylinder heads were optimised to increase the fluid-dynamic efficiency of the porting. The crankshaft and its associated components were redesigned, especially with a view to reducing the rotating masses and friction. Thirdly, several innovative materials were introduced as a function of the applications of the various components.

"In terms of performance, development will be continuous, with evolutionary steps already programmed for the year. These include fine tuning the engine management systems in conjunction with Magneti Marelli. As usual, the exact horsepower figure will not be disclosed. However, I will repeat last year's declaration, which remains as valid today, that all Ferrari's engine staff are working with diligence and determination to ensure that power is "sufficient" and delivered with driveability and reliability, in order to reach our objectives for the 2002 Formula 1 World Championship".

Testing of the 2002 now begins in earnest, with the first runs planned for this Sunday. In the meantime, work continues on producing the second chassis.

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A highly selected crowd was able to attend   Michael and Rubens pull the covers off   The F2002 is finally revealed   Detail work looks perfect   White bargeboards are interesting, reserved for a future sponsor?   Probably the most work has gone into the rear end, especially the 'box   The technical crew who designed the car shake withTodt   The tiny 051 engine, almost 900bhp   Ross Brawn studies his presentation notes   Luca took the wider view at the presentation     pics by Andreas Birner & Ferrari