Ferrari SF15-T revealed

Ferrari have officially unveiled the SF15-T, the car the Italian team hope will return them to winning ways in 2015. 

The new machine, which will be driven by Ferrari’s all-world champion line-up of Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen, is noticeably different in appearance to last year’s underwhelming F14 T, which became the first Ferrari since 1993 not to score a Grand Prix victory.

“Last year we had an unacceptably large gap in our performance,” technical director James Allison told Ferrari's website. “We’ve tried to make sure that the weaknesses that we felt were particularly noticeable on the ‘14 car were put right for the ‘15 car.”

Like other 2015 cars, the most obvious change from last year is at the front where a long flat nose has been introducued in response to recent rule changes. However, Allison says the rear of the SF15-T received similar attention: “The back of the car is something that is noticeably different from the 2014 car. We have been successful in pulling the bodywork much tighter to all the stuff underneath the skin. That’s been done from a lot of work, not just in the wind tunnel, but also in the design part of the company to try to find radiator designs that were fundamentally more efficient. 

“For every square centimetre of radiator we’re able to extract more cooling this year than last and therefore were able to close the car down at the back as a consequence.”

Another crucial area of development for the Scuderia over the winter was on their power unit, which struggled against the might of Mercedes in 2014.

“We had a number of issues with last year’s power unit,” explained Allison. “Early on in the season the power delivery was not particularly sophisticated so it was tough for the drivers to get the throttle response they wanted. That improved a lot during the season and we’ve taken it a step further for the SF15-T. 

“A definite weakness of last year’s car was that the amount of electrical energy we were able to recover from the turbo was not really good enough for producing competitive power levels during the race. That’s an area where we’ve tried to change the architecture of the engine to make it a better compromise between qualifying and racing performance. 

“And then plain simple horsepower. Enormous amounts of work has gone into all aspects of our combustion efficiency to try to make sure that in this fuel limited formula where every team is only allowed to burn the same amount of fuel, that every single compression stroke, every single ignition stroke is extracting the maximum amount of horsepower and putting it on the road.”

Maurizio Arrivabene, whose appointment as team principal in November was one of a number of key staffing changes at Ferrari over the winter, was full of praise for the new machine.

“Enzo Ferrari said a long time ago that the best car is the winning car. Last year we had an ugly car and it was a non-winning car. I like the car this year in terms of aesthetics. I don’t know about the performance (but) it’s really sexy."

Arrivabene had previously stated that Ferrari’s objective for 2015 should be to win at least two races, and the Italian sees no reason to change that goal.

“I am just realistic,” he said. “Nobody has the magic to change things when things are unchangeable. The car was ready in December and we applied certain modifications that in our opinion are quite interesting. I don’t want to say that we are going to win the world championship but for sure we are committed to win at least two races.

“The work to do is to enhance the team spirit, the passion that was a little bit lost in the past few years and to work together very hard with one objective: to win as much as possible.”

The SF15-T is expected to make its track debut at the start of pre-season testing in Spain this Sunday.

source: formula1.com

F1 : Sauber C34 revealed

The Sauber F1 Team will go into the 2015 FIA Formula One Championship with new drivers Marcus Ericsson (SE, 24) and Felipe Nasr (BR, 22). Raffaele Marciello (IT, 20) has signed as test and reserve driver. The roll-out of the new Sauber C34-Ferrari will take place at the first winter test in Jerez de la Frontera (Spain).

With regard to the 2015 season, team principal Monisha Kaltenborn said: “2014 was a very disappointing year. However, this is in the past, and we now focus on what comes next. We have learned our lessons and are confident for the new season.”

The team principal’s prediction for the new season is short and concise: “We have to improve, and be able to fight for championship points.” For the Sauber F1 Team 2015 is its 23rd season in Formula One; it is the fourth oldest of the current brands.

Monisha Kaltenborn is optimistic about the new driver line-up: “I am delighted about our two new drivers who bring a breath of fresh air. Both are young, talented and highly motivated. On their way to Formula 1 both stood out through victories in Formula BMW and Formula 3. Both then finished this career progression off in the GP2-Series. While Marcus looks back to one season in Formula 1, Felipe will have his rookie year in which he comes fully prepared due to his role as test and reserve driver at Williams last year. I feel confident with regard to our drivers.”

Marcus Ericsson also looks into the future with optimism: “I am pleased about being a member of the Sauber F1 Team. After a difficult season, we want to move forward and fight in the mid-field like the team previously did. From a driver’s point of view, I want to continue to learn and establish myself as a Formula One driver. I have the feeling of being in the perfect environment to do so. In Formula One it is difficult to have precise targets, as it depends on the overall package. It is clear that we want to be fighting for points.”

Felipe Nasr explains: “In my rookie season there is a lot to learn, and especially as I have not yet driven on some circuits yet. In general, I am ready to take on this challenge. In my role as test and reserve driver for Williams last year, I was involved in every race weekend. Furthermore, I also had the chance to drive the car a few times, so I think I have a certain understanding of Formula One. Now I am taking the next step in being a race driver, and I am looking forward to bringing my experience from 2014 as well as to supporting the Sauber F1 Team in getting back into the points.”

Test and reserve driver is Raffaele Marciello who, as well as other series, won the 2013 Formula 3 Championship in an outstanding way. Last year he had two podium finishes and won the main GP 2 race in Spa-Francorchamps.  Raffaele will also have the opportunity to participate in some Friday practice sessions during Grands Prix. Monisha Kaltenborn said: “Raffaele’s previous career is impressive. Therefore it is a logical step for us to give him the opportunity to become more familiar with Formula 1. As a team we are pleased to be there with him on his way to the pinnacle of motorsport.”

Raffaele Marciello explained: “I am really pleased to be a member of the Sauber F1 Team, which has a long tradition of building up excellent drivers. I really think that this is the best choice for my future career. I am also happy to compete for one more season in the GP2 Series, which, together with my new F1 role, will give me a very busy 2015 season. I want to thank the people at the Ferrari Driver Academy who are responsible for giving me this important opportunity, and now I really can’t wait to start delivering my best.”

source: sauberf1team.com

McLaren-Honda to launch F1 car on 29th January

The Honda-powered 2015 F1 car will be launched on 29th January while Ferrari will launch their car on 30th January.

McLaren and Ferrari have both confirmed that they will launch their 2015 cars online prior to the start of winter testing at Jerez on February 1.

The two teams have respectively announced January 29 and January 30 as the dates of the unveils, although there is no confirmation as to whether the cars will be shaken down at filming days prior to the Jerez test.

Force India had already confirmed that it will launch its 2015 livery in Mexico City on January 21.

F1 : Ferrari to stick with pull rod in 2015

Image shows the push rod suspension in the F150 (2011) & pull rod suspension in the F2012 (2012)

Ferrari is sticking with its unique pull-rod front suspension layout for a fourth consecutive season

Ferrari has been using the pull rod suspension since 2012, which had not previously been seen at the front of a F1 car since Minardi in 2001.

A pullrod layout can mean a lower nose, suspension and centre of gravity, but it is also known to be difficult to tune and less responsive to setup changes.

There are two main disadvantages to front pull-rod suspension. One is that the the upper wishbone must transmit more load, some of which would otherwise have been carried by the push-rod. 

The second disadvantage is it takes longer tune a pull-rod. This is important given the limited testing time in F1 today. Teams need to rapidly tune spring and damper settings and if the components are hidden away this is trickier and potentially reduces valuable track time.

Raikkonen had a season to forget last year and had been constantly complaining about the lack of precision at the front, which is a characteristic of pull rod suspension.

Force India to launch 2015 F1 car on January 21

Force India have become the first team to set a formal date for the launch of their new car. After weeks of vague timelines being given by most of the teams for the launches of their new car, Force India have become the first to set a date in stone. January 21 will see the new VJM08 revealed by drivers Nico Hulkenberg & Sergio Perez.
The launch was set to take place ‘somewhere in Mexico’, and that somewhere has been revealed as Souyama Museum in Mexico City.
Mexico has risen to prominence again in Formula 1 in the last few seasons, as drivers such as Perez & Sauber’s Esteban Gutierrez have made a name for themselves, while 2015 sees a return to the South American country’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for the Mexican GP at the start of November.
Most teams are expected to launch immediately prior to running during testing, around January 31/February 1st, but other dates being speculated are a Ferrari launch on January 24th, and a Toro Rosso launch on January 31.

F1 : FIA admits loophole, allows in-season engine development

 It appears that rather than 2014, where the dates were set and power unit homologations locked in, there is room for development in-season. The FIA has, in a note sent by the FIA’s Charlie Whiting to teams, admitted a rules loophole that allows for this to occur.

Teams can perform in-season power unit developments as long as they stick to the 32 development token limit outlined in the rules and do not exceed the four-engine per car limit for the season. It’s not explicitly stated within the rules that no engine work can be done.

This should, in theory, come as a blow to Mercedes, which has held firm on the engine freeze aspect for what could be further dominance as was delivered in the entirety of the 2014 season.

Renault and Ferrari could now have a fighting chance, and it was Ferrari’s technical director, James Allison, who brought up the issue during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend.

Honda, however, is being treated as a new manufacturer and thus must have its 2015 unit homologated and locked in by February 28

F1 : The Driver's Numbers for 2015

The 18 drivers who will be racing with when the 2015 F1 season gets underway in Australia have confirmed their car numbers. The reigning world champion has the option of adopting the number one or continuing to use his career number. But Hamilton has opted to continue with his number 44.

Mercedes 

Lewis Hamilton - 44

Nico Rosberg - 6

 Red Bull

Daniel Ricciardo - 3

Daniil Kvyat - 26

Williams

Valteri Bottas - 77

Felipe Massa - 19

Ferrari

Sebastian Vettel - 5 

Kimi Raikkonen - 7

McLaren

Fernando Alonso - 14

Jenson Button - 22

Force India

Nico Hulkenberg - 27

Sergio Perez - 11

Toro Rosso

Max Verstappen  - 33

Carlos Sainz Jr. - 55

Lotus

Romain Grosjean - 8

Pastor Maldonado - 13

Sauber

Marcus Ericsson - 9

Felipe Nasr - 12

Mansory La Revoluzione

The epitome of the automotive style is for many the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. Kourosh Mansory accepts the model as a basis for his work - and nothing more. The head of the exclusive refiners named after him has taken the Gran Turismo as the basis for his completely individually-developed Über-sports car, that can only bear one name: La Revoluzione.

There is no doubt about the revolutionary effect of this project; Ferrari is as synonymous with sports cars as no other make, both on and off the track. Now MANSORY has toppled the Italian from its throne and torn up the existing conditions rule-book.

The manufacturer was not content with a patchwork approach, they didn't even try to optimize the aerodynamics of the F12, but completely stripped down the car and developed a completely new skin.

Only carbon fibre from their own autoclaves met MANSORY's requirements

The choice of the material should not come as a surprise to anyone: carbon fibre combines strength and lowest mass like no other material. MANSORY recognised this much earlier than many others on the market and over the years has developed an outstanding expertise. In in-house autoclaves MANSORY does not entrust development nor production to a supplier. Only the company's own engineers have the highest levels of know how that Kourosh Mansory calls for.

So this is how a vehicle shell emerged that is not equalled by any other super sports car. The self-confidently designed front with the inverse formula one nose, the wide variety of inlets and outlets of the air guidance system for engine supply and cooling of the braking system and the striking rear end with the double-walled exhaust tailpipes on both sides are just some aspects of a consistently exciting bodywork design.

MANSORY also developed the wheels specifically for this vehicle. With five triple spokes the rims with its open design grants a view of the perforated brake discs with 398 mm diameter on the front and 360 millimetres on the rear axle. The contact with the road is taken over by Pirelli Ultra High Performance tyres, which on the 9x21 inch front wheels have size 255/30 tyres and on the drive axle reside on 12x22 inches wheels with size 335/25 tyres.

No surprise then that MANSORY also sets new standards with the performance figures of the twelve-cylinder engine. The engineering department has therefore developed new software for the central control unit, installed a new larger turbocharger and designed the whole exhaust system for minimal back pressure. The bi-turbo engine now reaches a peak of an incredible 1200 hp (882 kW) and a maximum torque of 890 newton metres. In the record time of only 2.9 seconds La Revoluzione rockets from a standstill to 100 km/h. Anyone who is brave enough to keep the accelerator pressed down reaches the maximum speed of 370 km/h.

Even the interior has been completely re-developed by MANSORY

The interior is equal in every way to the transformation of the outer skin and the vehicle as a whole. Once again, carbon fibre is the material of choice, but it is precisely designed to transform the interior into reality in accordance with the company boss's vision. In addition, there is also the extravagant use of finest cowhide leather and Alcantara. Of course the colour scheme exactly matches the vehicle shell and is kept uncompromising in the colour of the revolution: red.

In spite of this complete revamp, the Ferrari can still be glimpsed under the carbon mantle of La Revoluzione. This demonstrates the experience and with what skill MANSORY understands how to take the characteristic lines of the F12 and, at the same time to unveil a completely self-contained form language.

Why is this dream car not a Ferrari, but rather a MANSORY? The answer is clear: this courage is not displayed by a conventional car manufacturer with group affiliation. This requires the boldness and the reputation of someone such as Kourosh Mansory, who has built up a unique reputation through years of dedication and attention to detail - this is his jewel in the crown.

*Source- www.mansory.com

Jean Eric Vergne joins Ferrari

Maranello, 19 December 2014 – Ferrari announces that, as from next season, Jean-Eric Vergne will join the Scuderia in the role of test driver to work on car development in the simulator.

The rest of the driver line-up consists of the race pairing of Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel, along with test and third driver Esteban Gutiérrez, while Marc Genè and Davide Rigon are confirmed in the role of test drivers.

Pedro de la Rosa leaves the Scuderia at the end of this year. Everyone in the team thanks him for the work he has done over the past two years.

“On behalf of the entire team, I welcome Jean-Eric, who I’m sure will make an important contribution to our development work in the simulator,” commented Scuderia Ferrari Director General and Team Principal, Maurizio Arrivabene. “He will fit in to a programme aimed at improving important areas, invigorating and strengthening an already strong and capable group of professionals.”

“I feel very honored to be joining the Ferrari family and becoming a part of the most prestigious team in the history of Formula One,” commented Jean-Eric Vergne. “The objective is a unanimous one and that is to help the Scuderia get back to the top step of the podium. Having had two years working in the simulator for a top F1 team and three years racing with Toro Rosso, my experience will add to the great efforts that are currently being made in order to get the team back to its winning ways. I look forward to fulfilling my dream in becoming a member of the Ferrari Formula One team and having the Tifosi behind me every step of the way.”



Source - www.formula1.ferrari.com

Pininfarina reveals new Ferrari Sergio

Designed by the legendary Pininfarina, the 'Sergio' will be limited to only six examples, each sporting the roadster layout. The Sergio, in fact, is a two-seater futuristic, very compact, very sporty and racy concept car.

It is named after the man who led Pininfarina for 40 years and designed some of the greatest car legends. This new amazing concept car is created to celebrate the life of Senator Sergio Pininfarina. 

The Ferrari 458 Spider based car was originally revealed in the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. It will feature the latest version of Ferrari's 597bhp, 4.5-litre V8 engine, which we see in the 458 Speciale and takes the Sergio from 0-62mph in just 3.0 seconds.

The Sergio's bodyshell is also claimed to be stiffer than that of the 458 Spider on which it is based, as well as over 100kg lighter – resulting in an estimated kerb weight of around 1280kg.

Ferrari FXX K revealed!

Ferrari has revealed the LaFerrari FXX K ahead of its official debut at the Finali Mondiali event taking place at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina circuit. The K refers to KERS.

The FXX K will be offered exclusively to the brand’s most loyal customers and is designed for track-use only, it means they can’t be registered for the road.

The LaFerrari FXX K uses a naturally-aspirated 6.3-liter V-12 paired with an electric drive system. The engine is rated at 838 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque and with the electric motor system peak output rises to 1,035 hp and torque to 663 lb-ft.  Power is transmitted through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The fin-winglet arrangements either side of the retractable rear spoiler are quite interesting. In ‘low-drag' configuration (with the rear spoiler retracted), these winglets function as guide vanes, while boosting the spoilers efficiency in ‘high downforce' mode.

Ferrari says it all adds up to 50 per cent more downforce than the standard LaFerrari can muster, the FXXK generating 540kg at 133mph.

The LaFerrari's HY-KERS electric system has been overhauled for race duty, too, with four modes now selectable from the steering wheel manettino: Qualify (for maximum performance), Long Run, Manual Boost and Fast Charge. Speaking of that manettino, you'll also be able to call up a newly calibrated version of Ferrari's genius Slide Slip Angle Control traction technology, which will do a far better version of metering power to those 345-section rear tyres than your puny right foot will ever manage.

Ferrari hasn't yet announced how much you'll pay for the privilege of sort-of-owning an FXXK, or even how many will be built.

Alonso to follow Hulkenberg to Le Mans?

Fernando Alonso could make a sensational debut at the fabled Le Mans 24 hours next year. 

Last week, Porsche announced that it has signed Force India's Hulkenberg to race at Le Mans and Spa six hours.

Italy's Autosprint reports that Alonso, who is close to having his full-time F1 seat with McLaren-Honda finally announced, it could be followed by a shock round of extra news.

"Porsche would not be an alternative to McLaren-Honda for Alonso," agreed Spain's El Mundo Deportivo, "but a complement."
The report said Alonso would join Hulkenberg in the third Porsche entry, along with another unknown driver.

"Despite their friendship," El Mundo Deportivo added, "Fernando would not race in the same car as Mark Webber."

The report said the biggest stumbling block to a Le Mans deal for Alonso is the fact that McLaren is a direct sports car-making rival of Porsche.

Vettel talks about his first 'fairytale' Ferrari experience

Sebastian Vettel continued his introduction to Scuderia Ferrari during the weekend when the German F1 driver met with his new team principal Maurizio Arravabene and company chairman Sergio Marchionne, as well as James Allison and the rest of the engineering team.

The meeting was followed by 100 laps in the F2012 at the Fiorano Circuit and a few sessions in the F14T simulator.

Vettel remembers his childhood days when he used to dream of working with Ferrari. He said “Obviously it’s been a fantastic day to come here,”.
“I remember I’ve been here a long time ago as a little child, driving through Maranello and trying to look over the fence, so to be here officially as part of the team felt fantastic.

“The possibility to drive the car and get to know the team was a unique experience. Obviously it’s a very different colour for me, everybody is dressed in red, everything is red, but it’s really something special and I’m very much looking forward to the challenge that we took on for the next years.”

Regarding the test, “Obviously, its already winter time so it was quite cold doing some laps but it was a great feeling, it is always enjoyable to be in the car and, again, looking back to the years when I was 11 or 12, trying to look over the fence and trying to see a glimpse of Michael running on the track, well, today I was the one running and saw the tifosi around."

Webber escapes a horrific crash in Brazil

Webber in 'satisfactory' condition after a crash in World Endurance Championship race in Brazil.

The Former F1 driver was involved in a 'serious' crash with Matteo Cressoni in Sao Paulo. The 38 year old Australian was racing for Porsche in Six Hours of Sao Paulo event. 

The Australian's Porsche 911 made contact with Matteo Cressoni's Ferrari on the final corner of the six-hour race in Sao Paulo and slammed into a track barrier.

Despite the flames seen in the crash footage and the car wreck, Webber escaped unhurt.

Webber's official facebook page took no time in ensuring that the former F1 driver was not seriously injured and was taken to a hospital for medical checks.


As per Webber's website, the driver remained in a local hospital overnight for precautionary measures.

The race had to end under the safety car which was forced to come no following the accident.

The FIA, motor sports governing body said that : "Both drivers were taken to the circuit's medical centre and, after initial examination, to the local Hospital Bandeirantes for further checks, their condition has been reported as satisfactory."

Vettel tests Ferrari F2012

Sebastien Vettel, who will replace Fernando Alonso at Ferrari for the 2015 season got his first taste of driving for Ferrari when he tested the F2012 today on Fiorano test track. Vettel was also spotted at the Ferrari garage during the Abu Dhabi testing last week.

The F2012 is the most recent Ferrari Vettel is allowed to drive outside of an official session under F1’s stringent testing regulations.

According to FIA's F1 regulations Article 22.2 states that :

‘Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) shall be defined as any track running time, not part of an Event, in which a competitor entered in the Championship participates (or in which a third party participates on behalf of a competitor), using cars which were designed and built in order to comply with the 2010, 2011 or 2012 Formula One Technical Regulations.

‘TPC may only be carried out with cars built to the specification of the period and only tyres manufactured specifically for this purpose may be used.’