Formula One constructors' world champions Ferrari unveiled their new F60 racing car for the 2009 season on Monday on their official internet site.
The car is named F60 in reference to the number of championships Ferrari have participated in and it is the 55th different F1 car designed by the Italian manufacturer.
The vehicle will debut in testing at the famous Mugello circuit just outside Florence later Monday with world championship runner-up Brazilian Felipe Massa at the wheel as the tests have been switched from Fiorano due to icy conditions.
Most of the changes from last year's F2008 are due to regulations imposed by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) in order to increase overtaking in a sport often lacking in excitement due to the difficulties in passing the car in front.
A shorter front wing, a larger and higher rear and standardised central chassis are all modifications introduced by the Overtaking Working Group (OWG).
Other changes include an improvement to the suspension to make handling in difficult conditions easier, while slick tyres will be re-introduced this year.
The Kers system to recuperate kinetic energy has been installed on the engine while the transmission has been redesigned to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
The new F1 season opens in Melbourne on March 29 with the Australian Grand Prix, which last year was won by eventual world champion Lewis Hamilton.
AFP
The car is named F60 in reference to the number of championships Ferrari have participated in and it is the 55th different F1 car designed by the Italian manufacturer.
The vehicle will debut in testing at the famous Mugello circuit just outside Florence later Monday with world championship runner-up Brazilian Felipe Massa at the wheel as the tests have been switched from Fiorano due to icy conditions.
Most of the changes from last year's F2008 are due to regulations imposed by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) in order to increase overtaking in a sport often lacking in excitement due to the difficulties in passing the car in front.
A shorter front wing, a larger and higher rear and standardised central chassis are all modifications introduced by the Overtaking Working Group (OWG).
Other changes include an improvement to the suspension to make handling in difficult conditions easier, while slick tyres will be re-introduced this year.
The Kers system to recuperate kinetic energy has been installed on the engine while the transmission has been redesigned to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
The new F1 season opens in Melbourne on March 29 with the Australian Grand Prix, which last year was won by eventual world champion Lewis Hamilton.
AFP
