Ferrari launch F2012

Ferrari today revealed their 2012 F1 challenger, named the F2012.

© Ferrari

The car has been dubbed “aggressive” with the viewer’s main attention taking them to the rather “ugly” nose cone. The radical design has been done in the hope to bring the team back to the top, to challenge for the title.

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Ferrari had to cancel their official launch due to weather conditions at their factory. They were originally planning to unveil it to a live audience, but instead chose to do it online with a series of pictures.

A statement released by the team said “The main changes when compared to 2011 concern the height of the front section of the chassis, the position of the exhaust pipes and the mapping for the electronic engine management,”

© Ferrari

The team revealed that the car has been completely “revised” with the team revealing they began “with the suspension layout: both the front and rear feature pull-rods, aimed at favouring aerodynamic performance and lowering the centre of gravity.” They did reveal that the stepped nose is not pleasing on the eye, stating “The nose has a step in it that is not aesthetically pleasing: with the requirement from the regulations to lower the front part, this was a way of raising the bottom part of the chassis as much as possible for aerodynamic reasons. The sides have been redesigned, through modifications to the side impact structures, the repositioning of the radiators and revisions to all aerodynamic elements.”

The rear of the car has also been neatened and tightened. This has been achieved by relocating some mechanical parts and a new gearbox casing. However the rear wing is “similar” to the 2011 challenger. They continued with the explanation of the new design, saying “Naturally, it is still fitted with DRS (a drag reduction system,) which is operated hydraulically. The front and rear air intakes for the brakes have been redesigned and work was carried out in collaboration with Brembo to optimise the braking system.”

© Ferrari

It sure is a radical approach to the 2012 regulations. Ferrari have also stressed heavily that the drivers must step up and improve, especially targeting Felipe Massa. "He knows as much as we know that he has to do something great, something better after a not-so-positive season," revealed di Montezemolo. "We are offering him the best conditions to do a great job."

Alonso commented on the new car, saying "We have to be resolute and positive for the season ahead. We have to fight for the title."

© Ferrari

Both Alonso and Massa will be hoping the F2012 can help them launch up the grid. After their difficult 2011 season, by Ferrari standards, their hopes are on the car. The “different” looking F2012 has many innovative features, but can it create an innovative result? We will have to wait and see.