The F2012 is the fifty eighth car built by Ferrari with the express purpose
of taking part in the Formula 1 World Championship. It adopts a well established
tradition of being named after its year of manufacture.
The project, which goes by the internal code number of 663, constitutes the
Scuderia's interpretation of the technical and sporting regulations that apply
this year: 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.
Two-time champion Alonso is upbeat about his prospects for the season ahead
after the launch of the F2012 car.
"It looks very different from what we have seen in the last two years," said
Alonso.
"My third season at Ferrari and I am going to start with the same strength and
determination. I want to do great."
Practically every area of the car has been fundamentally revised, starting with
the suspension layout: both the front and rear feature pull-rods, aimed at
favoring aerodynamic performance and lowering the centre of gravity. The front
wing is derived from the one introduced on the 150o Italia in the final part of
its racing life and has been evolved from there. Further evolutions are planned
in this area for the opening races of the season. 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 lower part of the rear of the car is much narrower and more tapered, a
feature achieved partly through a new gearbox casing and a relocation of some
mechanical components. In recent years, the area of exhausts has been crucial in
terms of car performance and much effort was expended on this front, based on
changes to the regulations introduced this year. The rear wing is conceptually
similar to the one used in 2011, but every detail of it has been revised and it
is now more efficient. 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 optimize the braking system.
The engine in the F2012 is an evolution of the one that powered last year's car,
which is inevitable given that the technical regulations forbid any modification
to internal components aimed at increasing performance.
With a reduction in the number of days available for track testing before the
start of the Championship, which has dropped from fifteen to twelve, preparatory
work on the test beds prior to the car's track debut, has taken on even more
importance. The three test sessions - at Jerez de la Frontera and Barcelona -
will serve to get a picture of the handling of the F2012 and to adapt it to the
Pirelli tires. Indeed, getting the most out of the tires has been an area that
has seen a lot of work both at the design stage and in how the activities at the
track are to be managed.
The car is due to undergo a very intensive development program over the first
part of the season, especially on the aerodynamic front.
The 2012 Ferrari F2012 (663) Formula 1 car with the Ferrari FF all wheel-drive road car. (front 3/4 view)
