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2001
Ferrari F2001
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More than 1,500 people attended the unveiling of Ferrari's 2001 challenger on Monday. What they saw was a car which differs substantially to previous efforts thanks in part to FIA's new regulations on safety and aerodynamics.
Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt says the new 050 engine is an evolution of last year's model while chief designer Rory Byrne says the new F2001 has been optimized, especially in the front wing, which is the most visibly
noticeable change on the car.
The new nose, lower and with a sharper profile, points to a leaner, meaner 2001 challenger from the Scuderia. Along with the nose, which is expected to support a revised front wing due to the new 2001 regulations, come longer sidepods and a revised, round, airbox above the driver's head. The slimmed down rear wing is also demanded by the new aerodynamic rules.
"The new engine has been completely redesigned, as well as the front and rear suspensions in order to maximize the use of the Bridgestone
tires," says Byrne, who indicated that the design and look of the chassis will continue to undergo modifications right up until the first race of the season in Australia.
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2001
Ferrari F2001
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The V-angle of the new 050 engine is thought to be marginally wider than last year's version, which should improve airflow over the rear of the car. Cast in
aluminum to save weight, the powerplant is reported to have developed well over 800bhp on the dyno, and features the periscope exhaust system pioneered by Ferrari several seasons ago. The engine is mated to a titanium seven-speed, longitudinally-mounted sequential gearbox, and mounted in a now traditional
carbon-fiber and composite chassis.
Technical director Ross Brawn believes the F2001 is the best car the team has ever produced.
"People have asked Ferrari if we’ve taken a rest after winning, but I’ve seen our staff and their enthusiasm. We’ll never give up trying to win."
Ferrari president Luca de Montezemolo says after 21 years of trying to win the championship, he will do everything in his power to keep the title-winning team together.
"There has been so much trouble putting together this team I am not going to allow it to come apart. Ferrari will remain as such for many years to come. We are all Jean Todt's team and we are going to remain as such."
Speaking at the launch, three time world champion Michael Schumacher says he's hungrier than ever to retain the title.
"Winning the world championship is something special especially thanks to the 'Tifosi'. You might think I could have lost motivation but I want Ferrari to be number one for many years and this is why we will be fighting."
Ferrari are expected to debut the new F2001 during an open test in Barcelona at the beginning of February.
Ferrari's F2001's technical specification
Model: F2001
Engine: 3000 Ferrari (Type 050), V10
Fuel and lubricant: Shell
Cylinder block: Aluminum diecast
Number of valves: 40
Valves Pneumatic
Total displacement: 2,997 cc
Fuel feed: Magneti Marelli digital electronic injection
Electronic ignition: Magneti Marelli digital electronic ignition
Drive: Rear-wheel drive, longitudinal semi-automatic sequential electronically controlled gearbox, limited-slip differential, 7 gears + reverse.
Brakes on all four disks: Ventilated carbon- fibre discs
Suspension: Independent, push-rod activated torsion springs
Chassis: Carbon-fiber and composite honeycomb
Length: 4,445 mm
Width: 1,796 mm
Height: 959 mm
Front track: 1,470 mm
Rear track: 1,405 mm
Wheelbase: 3,010 mm
Weight with water, lubricant and driver: 600 kg
Wheels: 13" (front and rear)
Tires: Bridgestone
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Enrique Bernoldi
