2014 GT Awards Ceremony – Over fifty drivers honoured at the Enzo Ferrari Museum
Posted: 31.01.2015
Source: Ferrari
Modena, 31 January – There was a great gala evening tonight at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena, attended by the drivers and team personnel who had won GT races at the wheel of the Ferrari 458 Italia in its various guises. Over fifty drivers contributed to a haul of national and international titles for the Maranello marque, as well as many victories, some of them in the most important races in the world. There to meet them was Amedeo Felisa, the Ferrari ceo.
The stars. There was tumultuous applause for the World Endurance Champions, Gimmi Bruni and Toni Vilander, joined on stage by Giancarlo Fisichella, to celebrate the amazing win in the Le Mans 24 Hours, the 33rd time a Ferrari had taken this win. Apart from the drivers, there was also a prize for Amato Ferrari, whose AF Corse team took the WEC teams title, as well as the International GT Open crown in the GTS class and victory in the Gentlemen Class of the Blancpain Endurance Series.
Local hero. There was a warm welcome for Andrea Bertolini, a Modena man, who enjoyed an extraordinary 2014, triumphing along with the Russians Sergey Zlobin and Viktor Shaytar in the final race of the European Le Mans Series, held at Estoril, driving for the SMP team. Andrea also picked up a prize for the win in the Spa-Francorchamps 24 Hours, sharing the drive with Nick Hommerson, Louis Machiels and Marco Cioci.
Four continents. The Ferrari customer teams and their drivers won GT races in four continents in 2014. Therefore joining the European drivers in Modena’s Enzo Ferrari Museum were the winners of Australia’s Bathurst 12 Hours, John Bowe, Peter Edwards, Craig Lowndes and Mika Salo, as well as Weng Sun Mok, who emerged victorious in the GT Asia championship and the Sepang 12 Hours.
Ferrari SF-15T – The Technical Features
Posted: 30.01.2015
Source: Ferrari
The SF15-T the sixty first car built by Ferrari specifically to take part in the Formula 1 World Championship. It is the second car made by Ferrari since the reintroduction of turbo engines in 2014. The first year of these new regulations was extremely challenging for the Scuderia and the lessons learned have been applied vigorously to the SF15-T to create a car that is in every respect a large step forwards with respect to the F14-T.
Chassis
The most striking visual difference between the SF15-T and its predecessor is the lowering of the front end of the car in accordance with the change of regulations for the 2015 season. After a few seasons of rather unappealing aesthetics, the 2015 rules permit the SF15-T an attractive nose shape which also brings excellent aerodynamic performance. Aside from the nose area, the regulations for 2015 are largely unchanged. This has given the Team a stable base on which to engineer a much stronger chassis than the year before:
A casual glance at the back of the car reveals a much more tightly packaged rear end which allows more downforce to be extracted from the critical surfaces around the rear of the car. The rear wing family has been extensively redesigned to deliver stable performance in corners while producing a larger DRS effect on the straights. The front and rear brake ducts have been remodeled to produce more cooling of caliper and brake disk while generating more downforce than their 2014 counterparts. Both front and rear suspension kinematics have been overhauled to present the tyre to the road in a manner that allows better use of the Pirelli rubber.
Integration
As in 2014, the current rules place heavy emphasis on the strong integration of Power Unit and Chassis. Integration is not just about packaging – finding neat homes for all the myriad equipment in the car – it is more about making sure that the PU and Chassis are specified so that the resulting vehicle will have the highest possible performance. A range of carefully chosen design targets ensure that the SF15-T has optimum choice of cooling to provide the best overall downforce and power levels. In addition to carefully designed internal airflow, the SF15-T has a much improved cooler matrix layout that allows several tenths of a second per lap compared to the previous year.
Brakes
2014 was the first year of the so called Brake –by-Wire (BBW); a system permitted by the rules as a way of allowing the maximum amount of electric power to be harvested under braking while maintaining an optimal brake balance. In practice, it proved much easier to obtain the former than the latter with the first versions of this system. The BBW was improved greatly during the 2014 season and the SF15-T is further optimized to produce a braking response that should allow the driver sensitive control while braking at the limit.
Transmission
The broadly stable regulations for 2015 have allowed us to work on the details of our transmission, carrying forward lessons learned in 2014 to make sure that the SF15-T is a step forward in all areas. The choice of 8 forward gear ratios are fixed for the entire season once they are run in the first race, and our experience from last year has allowed us to choose these ratios carefully for best use over the course of the season. The clutch, traditionally a strong point for the Scuderia, has been further improved with a series of detailed changes to make sure that the SF15-T will continue to enjoy strong performance off the start line.
Weight and tyres
The regulations allow the weight of the car to increase by 11kg with respect to the 2014 car. The SF15-T uses this extra allowance in the regulations to buy some additional performance features under the skin of the car while retaining a workable level of ballast to trim the centre of gravity of the car.
The 2015 tyres are little changed from 2014. A new rear casing tested by all the Teams towards the end of last year delivers better rear end grip, especially while loaded in combined conditions of cornering and traction. The range of compounds for the season and the selection of compounds taken to each circuit will be very similar to 2014. However, the performance level of the SF15-T will be much higher than the F14T, and should allow us to exploit all the performance available in the rubber.
Technical Specifications
•Chassis in carbon-fibre and honeycomb composite structure
•Ferrari longitudinal gearbox
•Servo controlled hydraulic limited-slip differential
•Semiautomatic sequential and electronically controlled gearbox with quick shift
•Number of gears: 8 +Reverse
•Brembo ventilated carbon-fibre disc brakes (front and rear) and brake by wire rear brakes
•Independent suspension, pull-rod activated torsion springs front and rear
•Weight with water, lubricant and driver: 702 kg
•OZ wheels (front and rear) : 13’’
ENGINE
Displacement: 1600 cc
Max Revs: 15.000
Turbo charging: Single turbo
Fuel flow: 100 kg/hr max
Fuel capacity: 100 kg
Configuration: V6 90°
Cylinders: 6
Bore: 80 mm
Stroke: 53 mm
Valves: 4 per cylinder
Injection: 500 bar – direct
Units per driver : 4
ERS SYSTEM
Battery energy: 4Mj
MGU-K power: 120 kW
MGU-K max revs: 50.000 rpm
MGU-H max revs: 125.000 rpm
Welcome SF15-T
Posted: 26.01.2015
Source: Ferrari
Maranello, 26 January – The car with which Scuderia Ferrari will contest the forthcoming Formula One World Championship will be called the SF15-T. The current year and the “T” for turbo combine in the name chosen by the people in Maranello. New this year, apart from the graphics, is the “S” for Scuderia. The announcement of the name, as well as other information to be put out in the coming days on the digital and social platforms, precedes the car’s official launch, which will take place on Friday 30th January. The new car will make its track debut at the Jerez test which gets underway on 1st February.
1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Cabriolet headlines stunning list of European Sports-Touring Cars at RM’s Amelia Island Sale
Posted: 27.01.2015
Source: RM Auctions
- RM Auctions announces additional highlights for its Amelia Island, Florida sale, March 14
- Recent entries led by a 1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Cabriolet, one of the most valuable automobiles ever offered during the Amelia Island weekend
- Proceeds from the sale of the Ferrari 400 Superamerica to benefit the owner’s foundation for the education of children
- The official auction of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, single-day RM sale lifts gavel more than 90 automobiles
- Premier offerings showcased at http://m.rmauctions.com
BLENHEIM, Ontario (January 27, 2015) – Fresh on the heels of its record Arizona sale, RM Auctions, the official auction house of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, announces an exceptional series of European Sports-Touring cars for its Amelia Island, Florida, sale, March 14 at the Ritz-Carlton. Headlined by one of the most valuable automobiles ever offered during the Amelia Island weekend, the sale will present a carefully curated selection of more than 90 blue-chip automobiles – a field that represents RM’s finest offering in the event’s 17-year history.
Top billing at this year’s sale goes to one of the greatest grand touring Ferraris of all time: a rare, matching-numbers 1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Cabriolet, chassis no. 1945 SA. Powered by a potent 4.0-liter V-12 engine producing 340 bhp and sporting stunning Pinin Farina coachwork, the example on offer is the third of only seven short wheelbase Superamericas built. A left-hand-drive example and fitted with open headlights, it was finished in the unique color combination of Verde Bottiglia over a Rosso Connolly leather interior – an unusual color scheme the car still wears today. Over the years, 1945 SA has passed through a string of respected collectors, including noted sports car enthusiast, Oscar Davis. Its current owner commissioned a full, no-expense-spared restoration by marque experts, resulting in an exceptional, flawless presentation and rendering the car on-the-button mechanically. It has yet to be shown following the completion of its restoration, making 1945 SA an ideal entrant for the world’s most prestigious events. Significantly, proceeds from the car’s sale will support the owner’s foundation for the education of children (Est. $6,000,000 – $7,000,000).
“It’s an absolute privilege to have been entrusted with the sale of 1945 SA at our upcoming Amelia Island sale. As our recent Arizona sale showed, there’s a continued strong appetite for great open-top Ferraris, and this 400 SA is certainly among the best of its breed,” says Gord Duff, Car Specialist, RM Auctions. “The true definition of sporting elegance, 1945 SA combines stunning design with high performance. Visually, it is beautiful in every respect. Its unusual and striking color combination helps distinguish it from its peers, enhancing its desirability, not to mention its various other unique details, from the chrome trim on the hood to its flush-mounted door handles. I’ve had the pleasure of driving the car and can attest it is a fantastic, turnkey driving example.”
The Superamerica is joined by another superlative example of Italian design, a handsome 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Spider, chassis no. 10814313. With stunning coachwork by Zagato, this particular Alfa Romeo is a correct, fifth-series example with matching body stampings throughout. Like the Superamerica, it also benefits from a comprehensive restoration, completed in 2009 – an exercise that left the car exceptional in every respect. Imported to the United States for first time in 2011 and exhibited the following year at Pebble Beach, its offering presents a unique opportunity to purchase a superb example one of the most important sports touring cars from the early 1930s (Est. $2,300,000 – $2,600,000).
A more recent offering slated for RM’s Amelia podium is a stunning 1970 Aston Martin DB6 Mk II, chassis no DB6MK2/4214/LC. A Canadian example and one of 71 original Vantage-specification DB6s constructed, it was picked up by the original owner from the factory and was a treasured part of his collection in the Toronto area for some 45 years, during which time it was regularly exercised and carefully preserved. This highly original example, including its original interior and matching numbers drivetrain, features numerous optional accessories, including rare factory air-conditioning (Est. $650,000 – $850,000). The DB6 Mk II joins the previously announced 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 “Condo Find” Daytona, chassis no. 14385, also offered fresh to the market following single Canadian ownership from new (Est. $600,000 – $750,000).
“In today’s market, vehicles boasting single ownership from new are the epitome of automotive connoisseurship,” comments Duff. “These vehicles are often purchased new by individuals for whom it is love at first sight. It’s quite easy to understand why the Aston DB6 has been treasured by its current owner for more than four decades. Combining great looks with comfort and performance, it is the ultimate iteration of the DB6 platform, checking all the boxes.”
Additional highlights recently secured for the official auction of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance include:
- a one-of-a-kind 1930 Duesenberg Model J ‘Sweep Panel’ Dual-Cowl Phaeton, engine no. J-487, the one and only long-wheelbase LeBaron ‘Sweep-Panel’ Dual-Cowl Phaeton built and boasting outstanding provenance, including some of the greatest names in modern collecting (Est. $1,200,000 – $1,400,000);
- a highly original 1955 Austin-Healey 100S, chassis no. AHS-3504, one of only 50 competition Healey 100s, was built specifically for Hollywood actor/director Jackie Cooper (Est. $975,000 – $1,375,000); and,
- an authentic, well-known 1927 Stutz Vertical Eight Black Hawk Custom Two-Passenger Speedster, chassis AA-C18-86501, one of the most important Stutzes extant and the fastest American-built production car of 1927, formerly part of the Harrah Collection with extensively documented history (Est. $400,000 – $550,000).
A special website showcasing recent feature highlights for RM’s Amelia Island sale is available for viewing here http://m.rmauctions.com, with full event details, including a frequently updated list of entries, online at www.rmauctions.com.
About RM Auctions
RM Auctions is the world’s largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles. With 35 years’ experience in the collector car hobby, RM’s vertically integrated range of services, from restoration to private treaty sales, auctions, estate planning, and financial services, coupled with an expert team of car specialists and an international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM proudly holds five of the top ten all-time records for the most expensive motor cars sold at auction, and their restoration division has achieved unprecedented accolades, earning Best of Show honours at the world’s top concours events. For further information, please visit www.rmauctions.com, find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @rmauctions.
About the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
Winner of Octane Magazine’s 2013 International Historic Motoring Event of the year, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is among the top automotive events in the world. Always held the second full weekend in March, “The Amelia” draws over 250 rare vehicles from collections around the world to The Golf Club of Amelia Island and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, for a celebration of the automobile like no other. Since 1996, the show’s foundation has donated over $2.5 million to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Inc. and other deserving charities on Florida’s First Coast. The 20th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is scheduled for March 13–15, 2015. For more information, visit www.ameliaconcours.org or call + 1 904 636 0027
Evolution or revolution
Posted: 23.01.2015
Source: Ferrari
Maranello, 23 January – “I’ve read what our friend Niki has to say: he’s top of the class, whereas I’m sitting about four desks further back,” says Maurizio Arrivabene on www.ferrari.com, picking up on the theme of Niki Lauda’s recent comments. The Austrian reckons Formula 1 has to undergo a technical revolution in the next few years, aimed at improving the show. “I share Niki’s view that Formula 1 needs to be more spectacular and I believe that the risk he evokes of the sport losing fans is something that has unfortunately already happened,” says Arrivabene.
“By 2017, I too would like to see cars that win over the fans, with cars that they can get closer to and that are aesthetically more appealing, maybe even producing a noise that gets your hair standing on end, like that produced by a heavy metal band. That was what it was like back in the day when Niki was racing and I was an enthusiastic fan, clutching my general admission ticket. “However, I don’t think a simple evolution is enough in this case. Instead, a real revolution is called for, with significant and radical changes. By that I mean more power, higher speeds, not necessarily involving the use of more fuel, but definitely applying a cost reduction to those components that are of little interest to the general public.” “Being closer to the people actually involves taking F1 to the people, possibly holding the Thursday driver press conferences and team presentations of a Grand Prix weekend, outside the circuit in a public area. That way, the cities that host the races could provide the arena for a presentation of the drivers and cars, in a properly managed event”.
“I have long felt that the real competition to F1 today, in the sense of it being a show, comes from a variety of forms of entertainment, not least from the internet, including racing video games. It is up to us to provide something better and to download a new format for Formula 1 as soon as possible. How likely are we to do it? I know it wouldn’t be the usual way of going about things, but a global survey on the internet and via the TV companies would give us a real idea of what people want. In fact, even in this area of sport as entertainment, we should follow the trend of demand driving what’s on offer.”
Marciello flies the Italian flag on track
Posted: 23.01.2015
Source: Ferrari
Maranello, 23 January – It has been announced today that Raffaele Marciello will race in GP2 with the Trident team in 2015. It is the Ferrari Driver Academy student’s second year in the Series. “I am very happy that we have finally reached an agreement with Trident” said Marciello. “I was able to sense from the start the great interest the Team had in my regard and I really appreciated the attention offered to me and my driving style. Given this great mutual interest, I am sure we will be able to work together in great harmony in order to obtain the best results; I know that there is a lot of work to do but, thanks also to Ferrari and FDA’s support, we can really do well.”
The F12berlinetta Tour de France 64 revealed
Posted: 22.01.2015
Source: Ferrari
Stunning Tailor Made car unveiled at Brussels Show
Maranello, 22 January – The 2015 Dream Cars Show in Brussels, where the Ferrari stand featured both the new California T and four-seater, four-wheel drive FF, also provides the perfect showcase for one of the latest creations from Maranello’s Tailor Made bespoke personalisation programme. The F12berlinetta in question, displayed by Ferrari and Francorchamps Motors, pays homage to the Ecurie Francorchamps team, specifically the 250 GTO in which Lucien Bianchi and Georges Berger won the 1964 Tour de France.
The V12 sports an Argento Auteil body with a triple-layer cross-stripe on its bonnet that is a modern take on the original Modena yellow used by the Ecurie Francorchamps. The interiors are mostly black with tobacco Soul leather seat upholstery for a vintage look. However, technical materials also make an appearance, most notably for the mats and boot trim which are in SuperFabric, a tough, super-grippy “bulletproof” material featuring a 3D design developed exclusively for Ferrari. The F12berlinetta’s ceiling liner and side panels are in Mycro Prestige, a soft, light, water-repellent and breathable fabric. The floor is triangular-pattern metal as per the classic cars of the past. The interior finish is bodywork-colour aluminium with yellow detailing on the bridge and door handles.
The waiting game
Posted: 21.01.2015
Source: Ferrari
Maranello, 21 January – Kimi Raikkonen was all smiles when he met up with the Scuderia Ferrari crew today. The Finn was in Maranello for meetings prior to the upcoming season.
Kimi, who is due to become a father any day now, had a busy schedule, but was keen to visit the Gestione Sportiva, where the new car is taking shape, with work temporarily halted for a welcome photo break.
FDA – Important points for Stroll
Posted: 09.02.2015
Source: Ferrari
Maranello, 9 February – Lance Stroll was again on the podium in the fourth round of the Toyota Racing Series, which took place this weekend at Taupo’s Motorsport Park in New Zealand. In Race 1, the Ferrari Driver Academy student picked up the points that go with third place, after the winner, Arjun Maini, was disqualified. The Canadian was also fourth in Race 2 and then, in the third race of the weekend, Stroll finished second behind team-mate Brandon Maisano. In the fourth and final race, he could do no better than eleventh. This good points haul for the youngster, driving for the M2 Competition team, keeps him in the lead of the classification on 726 points. He now prepares to tackle the final round at Feilding’s Manfeild Park next Weekend.
FDA – Triple podium for Stroll in New Zealand
Posted: 26.01.2015
Source: Ferrari
Maranello, 26 January – Lance Stroll took more podiums in the second round of the Toyota Racing Series, which ended yesterday at Teretonga Park in Invercargill in New Zealand. Having finished third at the end of the first race, the young Canadian driver from Maranello’s Ferrari Driver Academy ended up taking the points for first place following the disqualification of Arjun Maini and Brandon Maisano, who had taken first and second place respectively at the chequered flag. Having also claimed third place in Race 2 thanks to a penalty to the driver who took the flag in third place, Stroll then took the same position in the final race of the weekend. The results have taken him to a total of 399 points in the title race – leaving him 88 points clear of his nearest challenger after just two.
See more at: http://formula1.ferrari.com/news/fda-triple-podium-stroll-zealand#sthash.5FQagHyd.dpuf
FDA – Stroll gets off to a great start
Posted: 19.01.2015
Source: Ferrari
Maranello, 19 January – Lance Stroll’s foray into the Toyota Racing Series, has got off to a very auspicious start. The winter series, now in its eleventh year, boasts 20 drivers on track, featuring some of the most promising youngsters from around the world.
There are five rounds held at different circuits in New Zealand and in the first event, held at Christchurch’s Ruapuna Park track, the Canadian Ferrari Driver Academy student won the first race and came third in the second, driving one of the two M2 Competition single-seaters. In race 3, Stroll became the youngest ever winner of the Lady Wigram Trophy, on his way to an inaugural weekend points total of 204. The second round starts in a few days at Invercargill’s Teretonga Park.
Esteban Gutierrez: “I’m keen to learn quickly”
Posted: 16.01.2015
Source: Ferrari
Maranello, 16 January – At only 23 years of age, there’s plenty of time to get back in the game. Two F1 seasons as a Sauber race driver did not live up to expectations for Esteban Gutierrez, with just 6 world championship points and one fastest race lap to his name. The team struggled in recent seasons and this impacted on the start of his career, but today, the Mexican from Monterrey has got an opportunity to start over as the third and reserve driver with Ferrari.
Esteban’s career as a “ferrarista” has already begun, as he has met the personnel and had the necessary seat fittings. On the engine side, he already knows what to expect, because the Saubers he raced were Ferrari-powered. “Now, the important thing for me is to adapt and to settle in to this new environment as quickly as possible, he explains. “I need to get to know the people I will be working with and I hope that my experience with the Ferrari engine will mean I can contribute to the development of the new power unit.”
For Esteban, joining Ferrari is above all, “an honour, because this is a place where history is made.” But he is not the first Mexican to race a Ferrari in F1. In fact, Pedro Rodriguez raced in ’64, ’65 and ’69 in NART colours and those of the Scuderia in Formula 1 cars from Maranello. His brother Ricardo preceded him in ’61 and ’62, prior to his tragic death at the wheel of a Lotus on his home track.
The 2015 uniform has arrived!
Posted: 15.01.2015
Source: Ferrari
In the build-up to the presentation of the new F1 car, we bring you the Scuderia Ferrari’s new uniform
Maranello, 15 January 2015 – Ferrari is unveiling the new single-seater for the 2015 World Championship on January 30 next. In the meantime, however, Prancing Horse tifosi and enthusiasts will be able to treat themselves to the official Scuderia Ferrari uniform replica collection which is premiering now exclusively online. Everything from t-shirts to polo shirts, sweatshirts, dress shirts, jackets, baseball hats – all ready for a truly passion-fuelled new Formula 1 season.