It's that time of year again — time for all good Scuderia Ferrari engineers to smile nervously, as the product of a year's worth of sleepless nights bombs onto the Fiorano track for the first time. That product is the F2007 — Ferrari's entry for the coming F1 season, which is being preliminarily shaken down this week. This year's F1 regulation book requires additional front and rear crash worthiness and lateral protection, causing a weight penalty of 10 kilos (22 lbs., ironically equal to the poundage loss of Schumacher's swelled head). Known as Project 658, the new car, which is longer than its predecessor F2006, incorporates a new suspension setup that required alterations in body design — including a reshaping of intakes to accommodate engine changes. A redesigned, carbon-fiber gearbox housing — which holds a new, seven-speed transmission and quick-shift system — allows for a narrower rear. Is it enough to win back the constructors title from Renault, or will big red again be force-fed escargots. We'll see.
Ferrari launches F2007 [F1Racing.net]
Related:
New V8 Ferrari F1 Car Hits the Track in Fiorino [internal]