Ferrari begin 2009 production

While the Ferrari Formula One team have been busy preparing for the coming weekend at the all new Valencia street circuit as well as the remaining six races on the 2008 calendar, they have also been busy elsewhere as this particular time of year sees work intensify on next year’s car.

At this stage the Maranello squad’s 2009 project is centering on the new chassis and gearbox, Also Costa revealed that it is in no way slowing down the ongoing development of the team’s current 2008 contender….

"We are entering the production phase for the main components of our 2009 car; parts such as the chassis and gearbox," he explained. "Ferrari has the ability and resources to work on next year's car, without having to relax for one moment on continuing the development of the F2008 in a championship that is proving to be very tight between ourselves and our usual opponents."

“However, it is a very demanding challenge. Although it is a challenge we have faced many times before, it is particularly tough this time, as there are so many new elements coming into play for next season, such as the return to slick tires and the introduction of the KERS system. This makes the puzzle more complicated than ever, which is why we have to operate as efficiently as possible in terms of time management, commitment and energy, as we are now in a delicate phase with no way to recover from any mistakes. One step in the wrong direction could prove very costly."