"Ferrari debuts Formula One car"

Ferrari debuts Formula One car
Published January 19, 2007

FIORANO, Italy (AP) -- Ferrari introduced its new Formula One car for
the 2007 season last Sunday.
The F2007 -- the team's 53rd single-seater model -- was presented
at Ferrari's test track as it bids to regain supremacy after being shut
out from the driver's and constructor's championship the past two
years.
Ferrari drivers Felipe Massa and newly signed Kimi Raikkonen, who
replaced Michael Schumacher, attended the ceremony. The F2007 was
tested for the first time by Mr. Massa on the next day at Fiorano.
"I saw the car in the wind tunnel before Christmas and I've seen it
again today," Mr. Massa said. "The car is very beautiful and has many
more extra details than the one from 2006. ... I'm really motivated to
drive the car."
Aldo Costa, who heads up Ferrari's chassis department, said the
aerodynamics were completely remodeled and the F2007 was "excellent in
terms of safety."
The chassis was modified to accommodate a new front suspension, Mr.
Costa said. The air inlets on the main body and the rear axle are
tighter and more tapered, taking advantage of the more sculpted shape
of the gearbox housing. The car also has a longer wheelbase than its
predecessor.
Following more stringent safety regulations introduced by governing
body FIA, the cockpit was reinforced to improve driver protection,
leading to a weight increase of almost 22 pounds.
When loaded with water, lubricant and either Mr. Massa or Mr.
Raikkonen, the car weighs about 1,322 pounds.
The position of the rearview mirrors, the exhaust system and the
basic engine structure remain unchanged from the 2006 car.
Mr. Raikkonen joined Ferrari from McLaren-Mercedes after Mr.
Schumacher, the seven-time world champion, retired at the end of last
season. Mr. Schumacher remains with Ferrari as a special adviser.
Fernando Alonso of Spain won the driver's world championship in
2005 and 2006 with Renault, which also took the constructor's title.
Mr. Alonso will race for McLaren this season.Mr. Schumacher won five
world titles with Ferrari between 2000 and 2004.