NEW FERRARI F.1 CAR UNVEILED IN MARANELLO ITALY.

Wednesday 7th January 1998.

In front of a group of more than 500 journalists and television crews from all over the world and with a live inter net coverage of the event, the 1998 Ferrari F300 challenger for the  Formula One World Championship was unveiled by the two drivers Michael Schumacher and Eddie Irvine.

With the new car another major technical asset to the team was also shown to the press for the first time. The magnificent Renzo Piano designed Wind Tunnel that will be used for all future aerodynamic development of the car.

Together with the drivers the event was presided over by the companyÕs President Luca di Montezemolo, by the Team Director Jean Todt, the Technical Director Ross Brawn, the chief designer Rory Byrne and by the engine development engineer Paolo Martinelli. At the launch the team introduced Italian, Luca Badoer as their new test driver for 1998.

Proceedings began with Mr. Todt welcoming the guests and went on to say that Ò this new Ferrari, which we have called the F300 is a car that is totally different from the 1997  model.  It features a brand new longitudinal in-line gear box, a completely new 80 ¡V.10 engine called the 047,  and a new chassis built to comply with the new technical rules and regulations that have been imposed by the FIA, (Federation Internationale de Automobile) the sportÕs governing body.

Ferrari are in  agreement with these new rulesÓ continued  Mr. Todt Òbecause they will make the cars slower and safer and the team has always supported rule changes that move towards this direction.  Our aim this year is to do better than last year and that means winning. By saying that we want to win the championship doesnÕt necessarily mean that we will,  but we now have everything in place to reach that objective. After four years of restructuring, all the pieces are in place. Everything is now designed and built here in Maranello.  As you know the Ferrari team is the only Formula One team that builds its own engine and its own chassis.  We have the worldÕs best F1 driver in Michael Schumacher, a competitive team-mate in Eddie Irvine, an excellent group of engineers in charge of a highly motivated group of professionals who together have created the right atmosphere in the team".

Mr Todt then invited Ross Brawn to say a few words about the new F300.

ÒThe changes on this car are probably the most significant that we have witnessed over the last few years. It really bears no resemblance to last yearÕs car.Ó The new safety oriented rules that have come into force mean that even from the outside the car is visibly different. The overall width has been reduced from 200 cm to 180, the tyres are  grooved and no longer slick, the chassis area round the drivers legs is now 30 square millimetres up from the previous 25, the cockpit entrance area is wider and the wing sizes have been limited. ÒWith all these changesÓ continues  Ross Brawn Òwe estimate to be some 3 seconds a lap slower this year. Previously the design of the car had been done in England,  but now with everything here in house in a new design office that works under the leadership of Rory Byrne this technical independence should from be one of our strengths from now on. I am very pleased with the way the engine department has worked together with the chassis engineers so as to maximise on all the synergies attainable. The final result is, I think a very good concept, very good detail and a car I am very proud of.Ó

The presentation finished with the drivers meeting representatives from the many fan clubs who, as usual, loudly manifested their enthusiasm and even their technical expertise.

Michael Schumacher said that after a six week holiday in Scandinavia training and relaxing with his wife and daughter,  he was now ready to go for the World Championship.

ÒThe team has worked very hardÓ Michael added Òand everything is now in place for the objective of winning the World Championship ,  It is early days now to make an assessment of the car but we have plenty of testing ahead of us before the start of the season and I am sure that right from the first race in Australia we will be ready to show our full potential.Ó

Eddie Irvine added that he too was keen to start testing the new car. Ò I did a lot of promotional work during the winter months for the team sponsors but I know how hard everyone has worked in the team and from  the technical information that I have,  I think that this car is the winner that we have all been looking forward to.Ó


/ends.