16.1.2006

The car which Scuderia Ferrari will use to contest the 2006 Formula 1 World Championship made its debut this morning at the Fiorano circuit. It goes by the project code of 657. Michael Schumacher did 51 laps over the course of the day, the quickest in a time of 59"569. Development testing of the car resumes on Friday 20th January, at the same track, weather permitting; air temperature today was a very cold 0°C and track temperature 0/1 °C.

The new car debuts following some very encouraging testing results with an F2004 hybrid fitted with the new V8 engine. Significantly, much of this testing has been in the hands of Michael Schumacher who did not go on his normal winter holiday, stating that he had not earned it this year. The fact that Schuey has taken control and is leading from the front bodes well for this year.

The pictures suggest some evil understeer but that could be due to the low track temperatures or too-high front ride-height.

There has been some speculation in the media that the tipo number will be F248. There has been a 248SP which was a sportscar fitted with a Carlo Chiti designed 2.45 litre V8. One example was built and was classified 13th in the 1962 Sebring 12hrs, driven by Peter Ryan and John Fulp. Maybe, following recent trends, the new car will be called the F247....

The official launch is on 24 January.