Ferrari unveils its F2012 and its ambitions

Initially scheduled in front of an audience of 300 guests, the presentation of the new Ferrari ultimately took place online, following significant snowfall in recent days in northern Italy, blocking access to Maranello and, more generally, the region’s international airports.

After a disappointing 2011 season with the 150° Italia, Ferrari had promised to be more aggressive in 2012 with its 663 project, even if it meant sacrificing the external appearance of its vehicle. This has now been achieved with the F2012, which, like the Caterham CT01 or the VJM05, features a platypus nose to comply with the new technical regulations and the requirement to maintain the lowest possible driving position and center of gravity. The front end also boasts pull-rod suspensions—which currently sets the F2012 apart from its rivals—intended to provide more space and better airflow to the rear of the car.

The rear of the single-seater, on the other hand, features rounder shapes, with sculpted sidepods to channel air towards the back of the car in a less radical way than McLaren did last year with the MP4-26, while presenting large bulges on the sides of the sidepods hiding the exhausts. The modification imposed by the 2012 regulation regarding the position of the exhausts naturally has a significant influence on the design of the rear end and diffuser, which the Scuderia had carefully concealed behind a cover during its video presentation.

Finally, the F2012 shares few of the traits that Giorgio Piola had attributed to it based on his leaks revealed in the Gazetta dello Sport, starting with the famous wings in front of the pontoons, which are non-existent on the F2012, at least for now. While reactions will undoubtedly be forthcoming regarding the appearance of this F2012, Felipe Massa finds it aggressive. However, the objective of Scuderia Ferrari is above all to be competitive: “I am sure that our car will fight for victory from the beginning of the season,” assures Stefano Domenicali, the team principal of the Italian team. “We have learned many lessons from the past and made some difficult decisions, but I am sure that all our efforts will be reflected in this car. […] From a technical point of view, we have many innovations both mechanically and in the design of the car […] but we wanted some continuity and, hopefully, we will achieve the desired performance. We only have twelve days to work on the car and ensure its reliability, and also to test the new tires that Pirelli will offer us.”

Stefano Domenicali also relies on a driver duo whose performance level he does not doubt: « As for Fernando, I have nothing to add about his talent. In difficult moments last season, he extended his adventure with us for a few more years, which shows his sense of responsibility. Felipe has spent ten years in Formula One, always with a Ferrari engine, always with us. He has a great, great talent, and I am sure that after a difficult year, he will prove his great value to both himself and the entire team. »

« The car is very different from what we have seen in the last two years » commented Fernando Alonso. « I will start the season with the same strength and determination. I really want to see the red cars on the podiums and always winning. […] I really believe in the skills we have at Ferrari. We must be optimistic. We have two months to prepare for the first race, we must fight for the title and we will have to get as many points as possible at each race. […] I am sure we will achieve great things, even though I understand the significant responsibility that comes with driving for Ferrari. »

The presentation of the F2012 was also an opportunity for Ferrari to announce the extension of its partnership with Santander until 2017.

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