248 F1

• 2nd place Drivers World Championship by Michael Schumacher with 121 points
• 2nd place Constructors World Championship with 201 points
• 7 Grand Prix victories for Michael Schumacher
• with 7 Drivers World Championship titels, 91 Grand Prix victories and 68 Pole positions Michael Schumacher retires from Formula 1.
• 2 Grand Prix victories for Felipe Massa

Changes to the Scuderia Technical Department

Maranello, 2nd February 2006 – Ferrari announces the following changes to the Technical Department, effective from the 1st of March:
– Rory Byrne will assume a new position as Design and Development consultant, reporting directly to Technical Director, Ross Brawn; – Aldo Costa will take responsibility for the Design and Development Department, answering to R. Brawn; – Nicholas Tombazis will be appointed Chief Designer, reporting directly to Aldo Costa.

Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro car for 2006 Formula 1 Championship made its debut

Maranello, 16th January 2006
Circuit: Fiorano track, 2.976 km – short course 1.413 km Driver: Michael Schumacher Car: project code number 657 Weather: air temperature 0°C, track temperature 0/1 °C. Overcast.
The car which Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro will use to contest the 2006 Formula 1 World Championship made its debut this morning at the Fiorano circuit. It goes by the project code of 657.
Michael Schumacher did 51 laps over the course of the day, the quickest in a time of 59″569.
Development testing of the car resumes on Friday 20th January, at this same track, weather perwithting.

Ferrari to run new F1 car at Mugello alongside Corse Clienti prize-giving

Maranello, 12th January – On Tuesday 24 January, at the International Mugello Circuit (Florence,) Ferrari will stage a press day for the world’s media, when it will present the car with which it will tackle the 2006 Formula 1 World Championship, at the car’s first test session which begins on the same day.
At the end of the day, in the circuit paddock, Ferrari Corse Clienti will present awards to the drivers and teams who took part in its various programmes throughout 2005, as well as announcing details of the coming season’s activities. Stepping up to be honoured will be the winners of the Ferrari Challenge Pirelli Trophy’s Italian, European and North American series, the Shell Ferrari Maserati Historic Challenge and to the crews who distinguished themselves with Prancing Horse cars in the various GT championships.
The Mugello event will mark the official launch of the “Scuderia Ferrari Club,” the society created by the Maranello company to coordinate activities for its fans. In fact, all those members of clubs that were active in 2005 will have access to the public areas of the circuit.

Ferrari 248 F1 – Technical specifications

Mugello, 24th January 2006 – The 248 F1 is the fifty second single-seater built by Ferrari specifically for use in the Formula 1 World Championship. The project, which goes by the internal code of 657, represents the Scuderia’s interpretation of the technical regulations which apply in 2006; the main new feature of which is the introduction of an eight cylinder V configuration Engine, with an overall capacity of 2400 cubic centimetres. In fact, the name of the car derives from these key figures relating to the power unit. The chassis of the 248 F1 is lighter than that of its predecessor and its shape has been revised, with modifications to the openings of the side pods and in the area of the deflectors. The cooling system has been substantially revised and not simply to meet the needs of the new Engine. The location and size of the rear-view mirrors is one of the most obvious novelties. Other significant changes include the Engineair intake, the Enginecover, the size of the fuel cell, the aerodynamic elements on the side pods and the layout of the exhausts. The gearbox – seven speeds plus reverse – represents an evolution of the carbon one introduced on the F2005 and it continues to be mounted longitudinally. The front suspension continues the classic design for Maranello single-seaters. However, the rear suspension has been designed to meet a key objective, which is to increase the overall aerodynamic efficiency of the rear end and to mechanically improve the usage of the Bridgestone tyres. This work was also supported by the Fiat Research Centre. As key elements to achieve these objectives the aerodynamic design of diffuser and the floor of the car have been extensively redesigned and in collaboration with Sachs, particular attention was paid to the dampers. As was the case last year, extensive design work went into the electronic installations, with the support of Magneti Marelli. Continued co-operation with Brembo has enabled another step forward with the braking system. The 056 Engineis load-bearing and is fitted longitudinally. Design work began back in the spring of 2005 and naturally, took into account the strict liwiths laid out in the FIA technical regulations, in terms of the angle of the V, weight, dimensions and centre of gravity. The first example of the V8 Engineran on track in the month of August and development was initially carried out with it fitted to an F2004. As was the case last year, Engines will again have to be used for two consecutive grands prix in 2006. With this in mind, Shell’s support has been even more invaluable in defining the specification for fuels and lubricants best suited to meeting set targets in terms of reliability and performance. Driveability was another important factor, when defining the new Engine’s characteristics, with the regulations requiring fixed inlet trumpets: Enginemanagement is controlled by an integrated injection and ignition system from Magneti Marelli. The 248 F1 renews a tradition for Ferrari Formula 1 cars fitted with V8 Engines, last seen in 1964 with the 158 F1. As usual, great attention is paid to the behaviour and optimisation of the materials used, from the design phase and through quality control, always striving to maximise the level of performance and to achieve the highest possible levels of safety.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Chassis – Carbon-fibre and honeycomb composite structure – Ferrari longitudinal gearbox limited-slip differential – Semiautomatic sequential electronically controlled gearbox –  Number of gears 7 + reverse – Ventilated carbon-fibre disc brakes – Independent suspension, push-rod activated torsion springs front and rear – Length 4545 mm – Width 1796 mm – Height 959 mm – Wheelbase 3050 mm – Front track 1470 mm – Rear track 1405 mm – Weight with water, lubricant and driver 600 kg – Wheels (front and rear) 13″
Engine
– Type 056 – Number of cylinders 8 – Cylinder block in cast aluminium V 90° – Number of valves 32 – Pneumatic distribution – Total displacement 2398 cm3 – Piston bore 98 mm – Weight > 95 kg – Magneti Marelli digital electronic injection – Magneti Marelli static electronic ignition – Fuel Shell V-Power – ULG 59 Lubricant Shell SL-0932

A completely new car from every point of view

Mugello, 24 January 2006 – The traditional press conference held at the presentation of the new single-seater that will compete in the Formula 1 world championship began with the Engineers who have developed the car over the past months: Aldo Costa, Ross Brawn and Rory Byrne. Byrne opened and underlined how his role in the company was changing. He was progressively filling a consultancy role for all the new House of Maranello projects and, in particular, regarding the Engineering of the cars. Then came Aldo Costa, creator of the 248 F1, to reflect on Byrne’s role and the characteristics of the car in detail. He declared that: “it was mainly to do with the V8 Engineand we imposed a radical change from both a mechanical and aerodynamic point of view. The aerodynamics are still at a preliminary stage and will be until the first race of the season. As regards the chassis, this is totally new, above all in the centre section. We decided on this in order to optimise the weight distribution and lighten the entire structure.The same goes for the suspension, especially in the completely redesigned rear end. The transmission too is all new (though constructed from composite materials) and also the differeential. In building these two new elements in particular, we had to pay close attention to the characterisitcs of the V8. The greater vibrations generated by the Enginebrought more initial problems”. The gathered journalists then asked questions to which Brawn replied that “from the midway point of last season when we realised we could not challenge for the top spots, we began concentrating more on development, especially the blend of the aerodynamic configuration and the characteristics of the new V8. Despite the progress that the Bridgestone tyres have made with the reintroduction of tyre changes, we expect to see lap times that are a second or two slower than last year”. In conclusion, and related again to the tyre issue, Brawn responded to newsprint journalists and emphasised how having Bridgestones this year would be an advantage as they will supply four teams. Now the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro would be able to compare development and the progress being made with other Bridgestone teams”.

The V8 makes its debut

Mugello, 24 January 2006 – After Aldo Costa, Ross Brawn and Rory Byrne came Paolo Martinelli, Formula 1 EngineDirector, and Gilles Simon, head of planning and Enginedevelopment, to face the journalists during the press conference to launch the new 248 F1. “It is a totally new project”, began Martinelli. “It is a return to the past, as the name of the car demonstrates. We started working on this Enginemidway through 2004 and then tested it on the bench. Last August it made its first outing, at Fiorano, and in the autumn of 2005 we completed the V8. Now we are close to the final version. Obviously, in the course of the season we will have to cope with a very steep learning curve. Gilles Simon’s success in development was underlined: “the calculations were made long ago and even if the regulation changes were related to us rather late in the day, fundamental modifications such as the selection of the centre of gravity had already been made”. “The rules outline global constraints but do allow a lot of space for projectual experimentation”, continued Martinelli. “The 90° angle was our choice as was settling on the minimum weight for the non-moving parts. The real challenge, however, was lightening the weight of the moving components”. “For the first time in ten years a drop in performance was recorded and this was fundamental. The change in power meant some greater investment, but,in the long run, it will be more economical. The overall output of the Engineremains unchanged and so some factors were the same as on the V10”. Martinelli also revealed that there had been some dialogue between the Engineers who work on road-going cars and those who concentrate on racing models. “We met the people who work on GTs and exchange opinion in analysing problems and the methods to resolve them. It was by no means a one-way communication” “We were certainly on shared ground”, added Simon. “However, there are many differences, for example in our time schedules. We made a lot of input and so did they. It was a process of cross contamination”.

Todt: “The 248 will be a great stimulus for us all”

Mugello, 24 January 2006 – This year too, the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro’s Direttore Generale appeared at the launch of the new F1 car. Jean Todt responded to the questions posed by the international media at the press conference to present the new 248 F1. “Seeing the new car”, he began, “with the new sponsor logos and, above all, the numbers 5 and 6, is a return for us to a distant past. It will be a great incentive to improve. The entire squad wants to get back to top spot”. As to the performance of the new car, Todt was quite cagey. He stated that he was hopeful but, at the same time, waiting for the real test against the other teams. Responding to a question regarding his future with Ferrari after 2006, the Direttore Generale preferred to stay on theme and discussed the team’s chances in the coming season. Related to this, the detailed test programme was shown to the press pack. Owing to the chilly conditions at Mugello, the official drivers could get behind the wheel tomorrow with Marc Genè in Barcelona and then Valencia, Bahrein and Jerez before the start of the season. These tests will see the 248 on track, a car that now only exists as a single example, flanking last year’s model. Todt had some words of praise for Ferrari’s new driver, Felipe Massa. It was revealed that he was a very fast learner, a humble person and who displayed a good work ethic in a team. Massa should be completely at ease with the squad in a short space of time. As to Valentino Rossi testing the new car at Valencia, Todt stated that this may be possible, but not 100% definite”.

Schumacher: “The first signs are positive”

Mugello, 24 January 2006 – The first of the drivers of the drivers to take the microphone was the latest to join the team, Felipe Massa. Naturally, he declared that he was enthusiastic at making his debut with the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro during such a prestigious occasion as the presentation of the new single seater. In response to questions about his first impressions of the 248 F1, Felipe revealed that: “the freezing temperatures over the past few days have made it impossible to effect real and proper tests. I have to say though, that the car is well balanced. The new Enginehas already proved to be particularly reliable and is surprisingly high performing”. As to the aims for the upcoming season, Massa wants to claim his first podium place and maybe even a victory. He is keeping his feet firmly on the ground, however, and has not forgotten that the main objective is to collect as many points as possible for the team. The sensation of heading in the right direction, for the Brazilian, is testimony to the fact that, despite the pressure of his status as the newcomer, Felipe is extremely calm. He is also motivated and confident of doing well in a team that he knows well having been a test driver since 2001. The driver himself has underlined how this experience has been fundamental in his profession growth. Talking of test drivers, the observations of Luca Badoer could not be missed. Badoer stated that all his work over the last year would bear fruit in the coming season. “This is also because the new V8 will surely change as the season nears so the races will be approached from the driver’s point of view. More emphasis will be placed on the human element, rendering the new Formula 1 single seater more similar to a kart”, declared the driver from Veneto. Badoer went on to assure the gathered press that he would be continuing in his role as an official Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro test driver, thus ending speculation that he wanted to leave and take up a place as an official driver in another team.Closing the contribution of the drivers in the best of ways was the eagerly awaited Michael Schumacher. He intervened immediately after the declarations of President Luca di Montezemolo. After opening by stating that he did not feel like a driver close to retirement, the German then reflected on the new car and stated that “it has already given positive results in the little testing that it has been possible to carry out here. Despite the fact that only a few laps were run, the car seemed well balanced and enjoyable to drive even though it is less powerful”. “Certainly, we will have to wait until the race to see how the strategies are modified”, he replied to an English journalist querying the effect of the new set up and the new regulations. “Sticking to talking of the rules”, continued Schumacher, “I believe that Bridgestone have worked very well on the tyres. This is not only due to the fact that tyre changes have returned (and from a certain point of view this is a benefit) but that the structure of the mixtures have changed from the problematic ones of last year, especially in qualifying. As to the Engine, many have asked me how it will change the style of driving with a V8. It is a question to which I always answer in the same way: that there will not be such a big difference. It is like going back to the levels of power we had ten years ago. What I think will alter radically is the race strategy and not the style of driving”. To conclude, he spoke of his relationship with his new partner and the fact that Valentino Rossi could test at Valencia shortly. Michael revealed that he had a good feeling with Massa, a driver he feels is one of the most talented youngsters on the circuit. However, he did not appear too interested in the cause of the Moto GP world champion as he was exclusively focused on the season to come.

Montezemolo: “It is not the end of an era”

Mugello, 24th January 2006 – Ferrari’s president, Luca di Montezemolo, contributed to this morning’s press conference held at the Autodrome of Mugello to present the new 248 F1. “It is right to change”, began the President in reference to the new location, “to give priority to the track and to work without losing precious time. Today is an important day as we are presenting a car that is the fruit of a precise project that takes into consideration the regulations and experience of the past years. It is also three years to the day since Gianni Agnelli passed away; a man I personally miss very much, as does everybody at Ferrari and Fiat”. President Montezemolo wanted to recall the fact that Ferrari, over recent years, has always been at the top in Formula 1. The aim for 2006 was to get back to a championship challenging position. “After having lost two titles at the last round, in 1997 and 1998, and six consecutive world crowns, I don’t want the 2005 results to seem like the end of an era. We have lived through some incredible years. Last year we suffered a little from the successive rule changes but now we are looking ahead. We want to get back to winning ways”. “The 2006 norms are an improvement, we think”, continued Montezemolo commenting on the modifications made by the Federation. “The qualifying format will be more exciting and the tyre changes are back. We also agree with the changes planned for 2008. Formula 1 has to guarantee overtaking, it has to be an arena for experimenting with extreme technologies and, at the same time, optimise costs with cuts made to superfluous spending. The FIA is going in the right directions and we adhere to this philosophy as it fits with our ideas of Formula 1. It is a sport in which we have always been involved and in which we will continue to be”. The President then reflected on the Scuderia’s drivers: “we have on the team a man like Michael Schumacher, who I consider to be the best driver who has ever driven for Ferrari, not only in terms of speed but also of consistency. Michael bonds with the team even when things are not going well and is able to pull out extraordinary performances that we all remember. He has perhaps built something unrepeatable at Ferrari. Now we have Massa, a young driver of enormous potential who has been with us for years. Working with Michael will help him very much and it was right to keep up with the generational changes Formula 1 is witnessing” Montezemolo then spoke about the technical changes: “We are living in times of significant change from a technological point of view. We had been fans of the V12 for many years and then, in the mid-1990s, were forced to switch to V10 Engines with which we had great success. Now we are back to the V8s that we last used in 1964 when we won with Surtees. It is a big challenge in terms of power and reliability. It drives us all on to do our best along with our partners and technical suppliers”. The President continued: “we are working with the Centro Ricerche Fiat, our technical partners who work on the 8 cylinder roadgoing Engine, and all our partners, especially Bridgestone and Shell, to develop the Engineand get the most from the car. It is pleasing to have just renewed a contract with an extremely important partner like Acer, who supply cutting edge resources. Martini Racing is another major partner and a name that is historic in racing and a symbol of made in Italy”.