RSS Feed from Ferrari World - F1http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130307-small-ferraris-for-chinese-ferraristi.aspxMaranello, 7th March – Ferrari is officially the world’s most powerful brand, according to leading brand valuation experts, Brand Finance. A coveted title it earned because of the incredible passion it inspiresF1 NewsThu, 07 Mar 2013 13:00:00 GMTalonso,massa,maranello,march 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130307_lego_1200019_sin_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130307_lego_1200019_sin_260x200.jpgMaranello, 7th March – Ferrari is officially the world’s most powerful brand, according to leading brand valuation experts, Brand Finance. A coveted title it earned because of the incredible passion it inspires not only in Formula 1 tifosi and its road car clients, but also in individuals, young and old, for whom Ferrari red and model cars, one of the first toys we all play with, go hand-in-hand. Who hasn’t had at least one Prancing Horse car in their collection after all? Imagine the sheer joy of combining the pleasure of playing with model cars with actually building them out of iconic Lego bricks? Particularly if the cars in question are Ferraris! From this month onwards and starting in the city of Tianjin, both adult and younger Chinese fans will be able to begin building up their very own special Ferrari Model Lego Collection, simply by filling up on fuel at any Shell Service Station as part of a worldwide promotion currently underway from the Maranello Scuderia’s long-time sponsor. It may not be quite possible to pick up all the bricks needed to build a 1:1 scale model of the 150° Italia (perhaps with a little advice from Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa), but big dreams often have small beginnings, don’t they?http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130306-tombazis-no-predictions-before-melbourne.aspxMaranello, 6 March – Engineers have always based their impressions and evaluations on data alone and that’s something that Scuderia Ferrari’s Chief Designer, Nick Tombazis is well aware of.F1 NewsWed, 06 Mar 2013 23:00:00 GMTtombazis,resta,montecchi,byrne,march 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130306_tombazis_130204_tst_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130306_tombazis_130204_tst_260x200.jpgMaranello, 6 March – Engineers have always based their impressions and evaluations on data alone and that’s something that Scuderia Ferrari’s Chief Designer, Nick Tombazis is well aware of. And when it comes to data, the Prancing Horse team acquired a lot of it over the twelve days of testing and its analysis leaves no room for illusion or false expectation. <br /> <br /> “Compared to a year ago, the situation is very clear,” commented Tombazis. “It’s not hard to make a comparison, because back then we were in a really difficult situation, so making a better start this year was pretty much a given. We know that for various reasons, our development over the latter part of last season stalled and, because our rivals continued their development to a certain extent, the gap between us grew, especially after the summer break. A gap which we had closed down to three tenths, thus became around eight in Brazil. This year, we have a well defined development plan and we are reasonably sure that the new components tested on track have produced positive results. The Melbourne package worked as we had hoped, with no particular unexpected problems, but it’s still difficult to say where we are compared to our competitors, so it’s better not to speculate. It’s hardly surprising, but I think that apart from ourselves, the most competitive would appear to be Red Bull, McLaren, Lotus and Mercedes, even if how the hierarchy stands between us is still uncertain. We hope to be able to fight at the front, but no one can be excluded: there are 19 races in the championship with half of them coming after the summer and, as we saw last year, even if a team does not start the season being on the pace, it can fight back and win. Everyone goes through a cycle and stages and therefore it will be a case of constant development throughout the year.” <br /> <br /> Tombazis reckons the two key areas will be tyre useage and the development of the exhaust system. “With the exhaust exits we can reckon on updates during the season and while the differences might not be visible, they could offer a significant margin for improvement. Of course, we won’t be the only ones working on this area, the others will too. Bit by bit, as the regulations stay the same for longer, the room for invention decreases, but with the exhausts there is still much that can be done. Furthermore, as great improvements in simulation tools come along, this produces better correlation of data and of the methodology of the various configurations that are tested. This means that testing new parts and comparing developments over a race weekend will become more complicated, whereas during testing, this can be done more calmly and extensively. We need to find a way to do this without compromising other tasks such as set-up work and analysing the behaviour of the tyres. And when it comes to the tyres, keeping an eye on degradation will be very important, as being quick over a single lap will not be enough.” <br /> <br /> Tombazis ended his analysis of the challenges that lie ahead with a word on the organization of his department. “We have a very competent group of people and a clear technical structure with Simone Resta concentrating on the 2013 car, while Fabio Montecchi oversees the 2014 project and we should also not forget that work on updating our wind tunnel should be finished by the end of the year. Finally, for 2014 we can also count on the invaluable support of Rory Byrne, who has so much experience that it would be foolish not to involve him. Rory has never left the company, even if he no longer works full time, so he can spend more time with his family, but he also has a key role in the development of the new Ferrari supercar LaFerrari. He has always been an important reference point for me, as he was my first boss when I was at Benetton and I owe him a great deal.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130306-domenicali-melbourne-is-just-the-start.aspxMaranello, 6 March – Anticipation is growing ahead of the start of the 2013 World Championship – and expectations about Scuderia Ferrari’s performance are growing too.F1 NewsWed, 06 Mar 2013 21:00:00 GMTdomenicali,alonso,massa,march 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x110/130306_domenicali_alonso_130258_tst_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130306_domenicali_alonso_130258_tst_260x200.jpgMaranello, 6 March – Anticipation is growing ahead of the start of the 2013 World Championship – and expectations about Scuderia Ferrari’s performance are growing too. That is only natural after a month of encouraging tests and the calmness displayed by the two big players, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, who will return to action in the F138 at Melbourne’s Albert Park in little over a week. We will have to wait until March 16, the day of qualifying, to be able to make the first real evaluations of the performances of the cars. Given the stability of the technical regulations this year, predictions have rarely been such a futile and casual exercise. <br /> <br /> But if you apply a certain logic, which goes beyond the excitement and the hopes generated by the start of every new season, it’s hard to imagine that the teams who were competitive last year won’t be up there this year too. Asked about the beginning of the season, Scuderia Ferrari’s Team Principal Stefano Domenicali said: “To think of drawing conclusions after the first qualifying session in Australia would be premature because it represents only the beginning of a long voyage that ends in November. For many reasons, however, it can be considered an important test bench to establish the state of play. I expect that the teams who finished in the top positions in Sao Paulo will repeat that in Melbourne, probably with a reduced advantage – that’s what we are all hoping for, anyway. What are the factors that have convinced me that Ferrari has made a step forward? The new business structure, the working methods, the modifications to the equipment that we have used to work on this car, the consistency of the results compared with our targets and what we saw in the recent tests – these all seem to tell us that we are on the right path at last compared to the past. So, to make an analysis that is purely centred on ourselves, unless someone else has done an exceptional job I’m convinced that Ferrari will be in the battle to the end. A podium in Australia would be a good base on which to build the kind of successes we need. What’s more, apart from the actual performance of the car, our work in the wind tunnel is an element that gives us faith in the area of aerodynamics, where 90% of the performance comes from, so we can work with a certain calmness. The stability of the rules is another guarantee that there won’t be surprises with any exceptional creative solutions that make a big difference, and I’m especially confident given the changes we made last year.” <br /> <br /> As for the competition during the year, Domenicali added: “I’m sure that over the course of the season the competition will reduce because the demands on all the teams for the 2014 project cannot be underestimated. We are talking about a car that is completely different to what we’ve seen before and there’s a risk of missing the boat: the smaller the organisation, the greater and the earlier the resources they will have to invest in the new project. Meanwhile for the big teams, the exercise will be to balance the resources required to keep up the development to be competitive right to the end with the attention that needs to be dedicated to 2014 to avoid the risk of being left behind.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130303-fry-the-key-will-be-understanding-the-tyres.aspxBarcelona, 3 March – The 12 days of testing at Jerez and Barcelona on offer to Scuderia Ferrari and the other ten teams have gone quickly.F1 NewsSun, 03 Mar 2013 20:00:00 GMTmontmelo circuit,fry,alonso,massa,de la rosa,scuderia ferrari,test,march 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130303_fry_130251_tst_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130303_fry_130251_tst_260x200.jpgBarcelona, 3 March – The 12 days of testing at Jerez and Barcelona on offer to Scuderia Ferrari and the other ten teams have gone quickly. There were six days of running for Felipe Massa, five for Fernando Alonso and one for Pedro de la Rosa in just about every kind of weather, except perhaps the conditions expected in Melbourne on March 17. <br /> <br /> They completed a total of 1069 laps of the two Spanish tracks: 3682km from the last two sessions at the Catalunya circuit plus a further 1231km in Jerez making up a total of 4913km. These are the figures that count for the data analysis that the Scuderia’s engineers have been carrying out to understand the behaviour of the F138 – with particular attention paid to the tyres, which have been designed to provide a better show and, as a result, the “thrill” of unpredictability. <br /> <br /> It was this very point that Pat Fry, Scuderia Ferrari’s Technical Director, emphasised in his evaluation of this intense month of testing: “All the teams, ourselves included, will still have a lot to learn about the tyres in Melbourne. The performance and the degradation of the tyres will be the determining factor in establishing how competitive everyone is. Albert Park is a partial street circuit – it is only used for racing a few times during the year – so it will be interesting to see how the tyres behave in higher temperatures.” <br /> <br /> Asked about the comparative performance of the teams, Fry added: “During these days of testing we have just concentrated on our own work programme. There are some quick cars but frankly our attention has been very much on the work linked to the F138’s development, collecting data on the new parts that we have brought, especially in this final test. The positive thing is that our aerodynamic simulations – both from the wind tunnel and CFD – have given us the results we had been hoping to see on the track. You can never have a 100% correlation but this is an encouraging sign for the new parts that we aim to bring to the first races, starting in Melbourne.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130303-pre-season-testing-concludes-at-montmelo.aspxFernando Alonso was at the wheel of the F138 as winter testing concluded today for Scuderia Ferrari and the other ten Formula 1 teams ahead of the start of the 2013 World Championship. F1 NewsSun, 03 Mar 2013 17:00:00 GMTmontmelo circuit,alonso,scuderia ferrari,test,march 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130303_alonso_130246_tst_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130303_alonso_130246_tst_260x200.jpg<strong>Circuit</strong>: Catalunya circuit, Montmelò – 4.655 km<br /> <strong>Driver</strong>: Fernando Alonso<br /> <strong>Car</strong>: Ferrari F138<br /> <strong>Weather</strong>: air temperature 5/18°C, track temperature 8/26°C. Sunny<br /> <strong>Laps/Kms completed</strong>: 120/559<br /> <strong>Best time</strong>: 1:20.494 <br /> <br /> Fernando Alonso was at the wheel of the F138 as winter testing concluded today for Scuderia Ferrari and the other ten Formula 1 teams ahead of the start of the 2013 World Championship. Another day of sun allowed the team to complete an intensive programme of work without problems. <br /> <br /> In the morning, Fernando made progress with the development of the F138, working on different car set-ups and comparisons between the various types of tyre – including some experimental ones brought to the Circuit de Catalunya by Pirelli. <br /> <br /> In the afternoon the team continued with tyre comparisons before switching the focus to checking some aerodynamic solutions and ending the day with some pit-stop simulations. <br /> <br /> The next on-track action is scheduled for Friday 15 March at Melbourne’s Albert Park, when the curtain opens on the first session of free practice for the Australian Grand Prix.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130302-last-day-of-testing-for-felipe-massa.aspxSunshine and good weather provided the backdrop to Scuderia Ferrari&rsquo;s penultimate day of testing at the Catalunya Circuit.F1 NewsSat, 02 Mar 2013 18:00:00 GMTmontmelo circuit,massa,scuderia ferrari,test,march 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130302_massa_130228_tst_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130302_massa_130228_tst_260x200.jpg<strong>Circuit</strong>: Catalunya Circuit, Montmelò – 4.655 km<br /> <strong>Driver</strong>: Felipe Massa<br /> <strong>Car</strong>: Ferrari F138<br /> <strong>Weather</strong>: air temperature 9/16°C, track temperature 12/23 °C. Sunny. <br /> <strong>Laps/Kms completed</strong>: 94/438<br /> <strong>Best time</strong>: 1:21.266<br /> <br /> Sunshine and good weather provided the backdrop to Scuderia Ferrari’s penultimate day of testing at the Catalunya Circuit. This was also the final appearance at testing for Felipe Massa, who will be back behind the wheel of the F138 at the Australian Grand Prix in about two weeks time.<br /> <br /> In the morning, the team got through all its planned programme, centred mainly on evaluating some aerodynamic components over short distances, featuring constant speed runs. Felipe also began a Pirelli tyre comparison, which continued through into the afternoon.<br /> <br /> After the lunch break, the job list included assessing various set-up changes on the car and some full speed pit stop simulations, including out laps and, for the first time, the team also tried the super soft compound. With less than half an hour remaining, a problem with the left front upright meant that Felipe had to stop the car on track, thus bringing a positive day to a slightly early end.<br /> <br /> Testing continues at this circuit tomorrow, the final day, with Fernando Alonso at the wheel.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130302-alonso-we-are-on-the-right-road.aspxBarcelona, 2 March – Scuderia Ferrari is continuing its preparation for the season in Barcelona, where yesterday, Fernando Alonso got through another busy day of testingF1 NewsSat, 02 Mar 2013 10:30:00 GMTmontmelo circuit,alonso,scuderia ferrari,test,march 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130302_130206_tst_alo_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130302_130206_tst_alo_260x200.jpgBarcelona, 2 March – Scuderia Ferrari is continuing its preparation for the season in Barcelona, where yesterday, Fernando Alonso got through another busy day of testing. The F138 seems to be moving forward with every lap, clearly responding to any modifications made and eating up the kilometres, with a further 102 laps of the Catalunya Circuit added yesterday, equivalent to 475 to be precise. The rain certainly didn’t help, but it was not enough to stop the men in red, as they worked through a programme focussed on important aero checks and some vital reliability testing, all aimed at getting a better understanding of the car prior to the now rapidly approaching first Grand Prix. <br /> <br /> When testing had finished for the day, Fernando said the work they had done made him optimistic. “We managed to complete all the work we’d planned to do, despite the bad weather: over the course of the morning we made the most of the fact the track conditions were changing all the time to evaluate the intermediate tyres, both new and used and in the wet and on a partially drying track. In the afternoon, we did a long run test to check the reliability of some components, fitting slicks for two stints and then going back to intermediates for the last one. By the end, we’d learned ten times more than in pretty much any other normal sort of day.” <br /> <br /> As to how much the F138 was progressing, Fernando seemed in a positive frame of mind, while applying the usual caution relating to the unknowns of testing, which don’t allow for an accurate comparison between the various cars. “The wet track meant we were unable to make a direct comparision to last week,” said the Spaniard. “I had to take unusual lines to avoid parts of the track that were very slippery and anyway, we were not chasing performance, we were looking for confirmation of the data we had acquired. From this point of view, I think the team is pleased, because the results we saw today matched our expectatations. Some new parts we introduced, on the bodywork for example, are clear to see, others less so, but they are all important and I feel optimistic and confident, because the car responds the way I had expected. If I think back to last year, my state of mind was very different: we knew we were two seconds off the pace, we were all pessimistic and worried, because we felt it would be difficult to get into Q3 in Australia and that turned out to be the case. This year however, we are working on closing a gap of between 7 and 8 tenths, which is where we were at the final round in Brazil last year and I think we are on the right road to being closer to the quickest, which will be our aim in Melbourne. <br /> <br /> “I still don’t have a clear idea of the general order of competitiveness,” continued Fernando. “For me, this is just testing and you can’t tell how the others are doing. Sometimes you find yourself overtaking a car in a couple of corners and sometimes you see yourself passed and the car ahead going away from you quickly, because they are on a completely different programme. All of this makes it difficult to analyse testing, this year even more so than last. It’s normal and logical that one wants to make comparisons, but for me it’s like watching football training: you can’t believe that a reserve Real Madrid forward can be a contender against Barcelona just because he scores a goal in a kick-about.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130301-fda-a-formula-1-drive-for-bianchi.aspxMaranello, 1st March –It was announced today that Jules Bianchi has landed a Formula 1 drive. The young Frenchman, a product of the Ferrari Driver Academy has signed with the Marussia F1 team to race in 2013 at the wheel of the MR02.F1 NewsFri, 01 Mar 2013 21:00:00 GMTjules bianchi,fda,march 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130301_Jules_BInachi_260x200_130006fda_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130301_Jules_BInachi_260x200_130006fda.jpgMaranello, 1st March –It was announced today that Jules Bianchi has landed a Formula 1 drive. The young Frenchman, a product of the Ferrari Driver Academy has signed with the Marussia F1 team to race in 2013 at the wheel of the MR02. <br /> <br /> After a year as reserve driver for Sahara Force India, Jules will take to the track right from tomorrow, the third day of testing at the Catalunya circuit, to get to grips with the new car and continue working on his new team’s development programme. <br /> <br /> “I am very happy to have been given this opportunity,” commented the Frenchman. “My aim for 2013 was to race in Formula 1 and finally, I have managed it. I want to thank Marussia for having given me this chance and the Ferrari Driver Academy for the support it has given me and will continue to give me, as I progress as a driver.” <br /> <br /> Jules is the first FDA driver to come through the Academy and reach its stated aim, as explained by the head of the programme, Luca Baldisserri. <br /> <br /> “We are pleased that Jules now has the chance to demonstrate his undoubted talent in the highest level of motor sport. To progress, it’s not enough just to do the kilometres in testing or during Friday free practice at the Grands Prix, one needs to go up against strong opposition in races. <br /> <br /> We believe in his qualities and we are convinced that he will be able to show his worth, even in a championship as competitive as this one. For our part, we will continue to provide him all our support, compatible with the needs of his new team.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130301-second-day-of-testing-in-barcelona.aspxWith three days of testing remaining, Fernando Alonso took to the track for Scuderia Ferrari at the Catalunya Circuit.F1 NewsFri, 01 Mar 2013 18:00:00 GMTmontmelo circuit,alonso,scuderia ferrari,test,march 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130301_Alonso_260x200_130220_tst_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130301_Alonso_260x200_130220_tst.jpg<strong>Circuit:</strong> Catalunya circuit, Montmelò – 4.655 km <br /> <strong>Driver:</strong> Fernando Alonso <br /> <strong>Car:</strong> Ferrari F138 <br /> <strong>Weather:</strong> air temperature 8/11°C, track temperature 8/12 °C. Cloudy <br /> <strong>Laps/Kms completed:</strong> 102/475 <br /> <strong>Best time: </strong>1:27.878 <br /> <br /> With three days of testing remaining, Fernando Alonso took to the track for Scuderia Ferrari at the Catalunya Circuit. Because of bad weather, the track stayed damp and slippery all day, with the exception of a couple of hours in the early afternoon, when the lack of rain meant the teams were able to run on a dry track. <br /> <br /> In the morning, Fernando worked through a packed programme, consisting of aerodynamic tests and assessing some mechanical components, running up to the lunch break on intermediate tyres. <br /> <br /> After the break, the team completed its aerodynamic testing and then continued with a second race simulation, using both dry and rain tyres. In the end, Fernando had to come back to the garage and halt the simulation because of a red flag. <br /> <br /> Testing continues at this circuit tomorrow, when Felipe Massa will be back behind the wheel for the final time before the start of the 2013 Championship.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130228-massa-a-lot-of-teams-will-be-competitive.aspxBarcelona, 28 February – Felipe Massa’s day at the wheel of the F138 started the way last Friday had ended, with bad weather again affecting work at the Catalunya Circuit.F1 NewsThu, 28 Feb 2013 20:00:00 GMTmontmelo circuit,massa,scuderia ferrari,test,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130228_massa_130181_tst_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130228_massa_130181_tst_260x200.jpgBarcelona, 28 February – Felipe Massa’s day at the wheel of the F138 started the way last Friday had ended, with bad weather again affecting work at the Catalunya Circuit. The track, on the outskirts of Barcelona, is hosting the third and final winter test, which runs from today until Sunday. All the same, it was a positive day for the Ferrari man, because the weather was definitely a bit better, especially in the afternoon, when a few rays of sunshine appeared as the rain stopped, allowing the driver and team to complete the planned programme of a race simulation. <br /> <br /> With only a few days of testing – just twelve in total – the last session is usually given over to going through the procedures the team personnel will carry out at every official track session over a race weekend, from Melbourne right through to Sao Paolo. Even if the weather didn’t help, Felipe Massa reckoned he was pleased with how the day had gone. “In the morning I did some long runs, testing both types of wet weather tyre with different set-ups to find the best balance on the car,” he said. “Then, in the afternoon I managed to complete a race simulation. The car worked well at all times, even in the very different track conditions and I’m happy because, despite the tyre degradation being high, it was interesting to understand their behaviour. <br /> <br /> “It’s hard to know what is the real pecking order in the field,” continued the Brazilian. “It’s still too early to say where the others are and where we are, but what is easy to say is that a lot of teams will be competitive. My lap times seemed good and, in the afternoon, when I fitted the dry tyres while the track was still damp, I was one of the quickest. Then, just as the track began to dry in the final half hour of running time, I had done all my planned laps and by then my tyres were well worn, which meant I couldn’t improve. However, this was an important step: we have completed a race distance without any problems or glitches. As for the tyres, it’s true that they degrade quickly, but it’s also normal that this should be the case. We know the tyres have changed since last year and they have been designed specifically with that in mind: it’s an idea introduced this year to increase the number of pit stops, but honestly, apart from a few times when the compounds will be softer than expected, I think there will just be one more pit stop than last year.” <br /> <br /> Lastly, Felipe commented on the developments expected here for the weekend. “Today, we had a few small modifications compared to last week, while on Saturday and Sunday we will test the Australian configuration. We know the car is improving: our aim is to arrive in Melbourne with a good base on which to build our season.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130228-112-laps-for-felipe-in-barcelona.aspxScuderia Ferrari today began work at the third test session of the year, once again at the Catalunya Circuit, with Felipe Massa at the wheel of the F138.F1 NewsThu, 28 Feb 2013 18:00:00 GMTmontmelo circuit,massa,scuderia ferrari,test,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130228_massa_130184_tst_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130228_massa_130184_tst_260x200.jpg<strong>Circuit</strong>: Catalunya Circuit, Montmelo - 4.655 km<br /> <strong>Driver</strong>: Felipe Massa<br /> <strong>Car</strong>: Ferrari F138<br /> <strong>Weather</strong>: air temperature 8/10°C, track temperature 8/12 °C. Rain in the morning, then brightening in the afternoon.<br /> <strong>Laps/km completed</strong>: 112/521<br /> <strong>Best time</strong>: 1:27.541<br /> <br /> Scuderia Ferrari today began work at the third test session of the year, once again at the Catalunya Circuit, with Felipe Massa at the wheel of the F138. In terms of the weather, the signs were not promising in the morning, but a gradual improvement throughout the day meant the team was able to continue with preparing for the start of the season.<br /> <br /> In the morning, in intermittent rain, Felipe ran wet weather tyres, alternating between aerodynamic tests and evaluating set-up changes on the car.<br /> <br /> In the afternoon, the team went through a race simulation procedure, doing long runs and some pit stops, starting on intermediate tyres and switching to dry weather ones as the track conditions improved.<br /> <br /> Testing continues at this circuit tomorrow, with Fernando Alonso driving.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130223-barcelona-the-day-after.aspxThe weather turned unusually cold with even some snow in Barcelona, as the second pre-season test session ended, but the heat of competition is clear within Scuderia Ferrari after the first eight days of testing on Spanish soil.F1 NewsSat, 23 Feb 2013 14:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,february 2013,2013,circuito di barcellona,test/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130223_130162_tst_dayafter_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130223_130162_tst_dayafter_260x200.jpgThe weather turned unusually cold with even some snow in Barcelona, as the second pre-season test session ended, but the heat of competition is clear within Scuderia Ferrari after the first eight days of testing on Spanish soil. The F138 has shown it has got off on the right foot and although there is clearly much work to do to fully understand its behaviour, both drivers were in a positive frame of mind after driving it over these past two weeks.<br /> <br /> Between Jerez and Barcelona, the car has racked up almost 3000 kilometres and there is still four more days of testing coming up at the Catalunya Circuit, prior to the team’s departure for Melbourne, where the 2013 championship gets underway on 17 March. Those remaining days will be used to complete the analysis of the car while also working on getting the most out of it, in its current configuration. A good team spirit is a vital part of preparation, in the weeks leading up to the Australian Grand Prix, with the drivers and team members all focussing in a cohesive manner on what lies ahead, whatever the intemperate weather might have in store for the next few days in Spain, prior to the final test session. <br /> <br /> Over the four days in Montmelo, Fernando and Felipe completed a total of 363 laps, a tiny bit more than their main competitors. After getting an initial feel for for the F138 and carrying out some aerodynamic testing over the first two days, for his final day in the car, the Spaniard was able to look at set-up work and do a tyre comparison. He ended his first on-track appearance of the year with the second fastest time of the week, set on the Soft compound. It rained for much of the Brazilian’s one day at the wheel and he completed a very useful wet weather test for the team, setting reasonable times, reporting that the car handled well in the cold and slippery conditions. However, lap times still mean nothing at this stage and again this past week, it was difficult to draw any accurate conclusions as to the pecking order down pit lane: this is down to the big differences in the programmes being run and the fuel loads carried on a track where every 10 kilos of fuel costs three tenths of a second per lap. Next week, the team will bring the first few development parts planned for the F138 to Barcelona and will spend the final days of testing, running various race weekend simulations and only then is there a slight chance that a truer picture of the performance levels of the teams will emerge.<br /> <br /> Another really unknown factor at the start of the year will be the behaviour of the new tyres. The entire Pirelli range features softer compounds than last year and that will make a difference, not just in qualifying, where we can expect to see quicker times- indeed this was already born out by the fact that this week’s test times were quicker than those on the Saturday of last year’s Spanish Grand Prix at the same track - but also in the race. Tyre wear is once again a topic for discussion and one will have to wait and see what this will really mean in terms of how many more pit stops might be necessary. The tyre factor will therefore give the drivers and team personnel something to think about, as well as injecting some unpredictability and spectacle, which is bound to go down well with the fans.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130222-testing-in-barcelona-massa-tries-out-the-f138-in-the-wet.aspxThis was the fourth and final day of testing for Scuderia Ferrari and the other ten Formula 1 teams at the Catalunya circuitF1 NewsFri, 22 Feb 2013 18:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,february 2013,2013,barcelona circuit,massa,test/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130222_130161_tst_massa_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130222_130161_tst_massa_260x200.jpgCircuit: Catalunya Circuit, Montmelo – 4.655 km<br /> Driver: Felipe Massa<br /> Car: Ferrari F138<br /> Weather: air temperature 7/8°C, track temperature 8/9 °C. Rain in the morning, cloudy in the afternoon<br /> <br /> This was the fourth and final day of testing for Scuderia Ferrari and the other ten Formula 1 teams at the Catalunya circuit, on the outskirts of Barcelona. The second test session ended with bad weather, which dominated Friday from first thing in the morning to late afternoon. The team’s work programme was adapted to the track conditions to allow Felipe Massa to get a taste of the behaviour of the F138 with wet tyres. In all the Brazilian completed 80 laps with a fastest time of 1:27.553.<br /> <br /> Felipe Massa: “Today was a difficult day for everyone and it’s a pity that the weather conditions ruined the last day of testing. I would have preferred to continue the work on tyres and set-up that Fernando started yesterday but the unpredictable weather made it very difficult to make accurate judgements about the car’s behaviour. When the rain gave us a moment’s break I completed a long run on the medium tyre compound – but the track was very cold and still slippery so it was hard to warm up the tyres and make a clear comparison between performance and degradation. In the afternoon, the wet track didn’t allow us to return to slick tyres so we concentrated on some set-up tests with the intermediate tyres. I tried different aerodynamic configurations and I am satisfied with the behaviour of the car. Certainly I would have preferred to test with better conditions but it was still useful to get a reference point in the wet.” <br /> <br /> Testing in preparation for the start of the 2013 Formula 1 World Championship will take place at the same circuit from February 28 to March 3.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130221-testing-in-barcelona-alonso-bows-out-on-top.aspxMontmelo, 21 February – Third day of testing for Scuderia Ferrari at the Catalunya circuit, on the outskirts of Barcelona, and Fernando Alonso’s last day at the wheel of the F138F1 NewsThu, 21 Feb 2013 18:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,february 2013,2013,barcelona circuit,alonso,test/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130221_130128_tst_alo_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130221_130128_tst_alo_260x200.jpgCircuit: Catalunya Circuit, Montmelo – 4.655 km<br /> Driver: Fernando Alonso<br /> Car: Ferrari F138<br /> Weather: air temperature 8/15°C, track temperature 9/18 °C. Cloudy. <br /> <br /> Montmelo, 21 February – Third day of testing for Scuderia Ferrari at the Catalunya circuit, on the outskirts of Barcelona, and Fernando Alonso’s last day at the wheel of the F138. The Spaniard will be back on track here next week for the final pre-season test session.<br /> <br /> The team’s work programme was completed without any problems and it included set-up work aimed at adapting to the Soft tyres, which Fernando was trying for the first time this year and the Hards. Fernando covered a total of 97 laps, the quickest in a time of 1.21.875.<br /> <br /> <strong>Fernando Alonso:</strong> “Today we concentrated on a comparison of the compounds, starting with the Soft and moving on to the Hard in the afternoon. The track was colder than yesterday, especially in the morning, which made it harder to adapt the car and find the right grip level. We tried various aerodynamic configurations and for the first time, we made some set-up changes to get a good understanding of tyre behaviour and degradation. With every change we made, the car reacted as I expected and it was useful to try out the different settings, especially to understand which direction we need to go in next week, when there will be a greater emphasis on performance. Once again this year, the tyres will be one of the crucial aspects to manage: they are softer and quicker, but also less consistent and they degrade rapidly with every lap. We will have a lot of work to do to understand how best to balance the car, but that applies to all the teams.”<br /> <br /> Testing continues tomorrow at this circuit, when Felipe Massa will be on track.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130221-scuderia-ferrari-loses-a-friend.aspxMaranello, 21February – While its Formula 1 team was busy testing the F138 on the third day of the second pre-season session in Barcelona, Ferrari is in mourning today for the loss of Roberto NosettoF1 NewsThu, 21 Feb 2013 17:50:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,2013,february 2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130221_nosetti_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130221_nosetti_260x200.jpgMaranello, 21February – While its Formula 1 team was busy testing the F138 on the third day of the second pre-season session in Barcelona, Ferrari is in mourning today for the loss of Roberto Nosetto, who was the Scuderia’s Sporting Director in the second half of the Seventies. He passed away this morning in Gallipoli, in the province of Lecce, where for the past few years, he was enjoying a well deserved retirement after a lifetime spent in the world of racing. After his time at Ferrari, Nosetto became the Director of the Imola circuit and then worked as the Race Director, first in the Motorcycle World Championship and then in World Superbikes. “The death of Roberto Nosetto has saddened me deeply,” commented Team Principal Stefano Domenicali. “Apart from his name being irrevocably linked to the history of Scuderia Ferrari, for me personally, he was a very important person, because it was under his tenure at the Imola circuit that I began my career in motor sport, when as a student, I tried to find things to do in the paddock, learning as much as possible from him, from his experience and above all, from his gentle nature.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130221-exhaustive-testing-in-barcelona.aspxFor race fans, the main interest of winter testing tends to be how the cars are performing, but inside the paddock, the first concern is to ensure your new car runs reliably, before chasing fractions of a second. F1 NewsThu, 21 Feb 2013 10:00:00 GMTmontmelo circuit,test,february 2013,2013,alonso,scuderia ferrari/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130221_ALONSO_130116_tst_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130221_ALONSO_130116_tst_260x200.jpgFor race fans, the main interest of winter testing tends to be how the cars are performing, but inside the paddock, the first concern is to ensure your new car runs reliably, before chasing fractions of a second. Therefore, taking a keen interest in proceedings here in Barcelona for the second test session of the year, is Scuderia Ferrari’s Head of Engines and Electronics, Luca Marmorini. The engine regulations may well have been frozen for several years now, effectively capping performance, but there are always new parameters that can affect the reliability of the V8s, even in their last year as Formula 1’s power provider. Scuderia Ferrari’s engine reliability has been second to none and Marmorini and his crew are keen to maintain that enviable record. <br /> <br /> At the moment, the main talking point concerns an extreme solution to the exhaust system, designed to point the exhaust gases at those parts of the car where they will create the most downforce to boost the overall aerodynamic performance of the car. It was an evaluation of this system that led to the F138 suffering an exhaust problem which interrupted Fernando Alonso’s time on track at the Catalunya circuit on Wednesday. “We tested the exhaust right to the very end of its life, as we need to know where are the limits and this failure can therefore be seen as part of our routine work at the track,” Maramorini told journalists at the end of the day’s work. “The rules governing the exhausts are exactly the same as last year, therefore we expect similar performance gains to come from the exhausts, but nothing more. While the rules are very strict regarding the configuration of the exhausts and the engine mapping, the emission of exhaust gases still has an effect on the aerodynamics of the car. At the moment, all engine engineers are a little bit unhappy that we have to compromise engine performance, but we can afford to lose some engine power if the car is quicker.” With this in mind, Marmorini confirmed that the Scuderia will continue to work on finding the best possible exhaust configuration for the F138 throughout the year. <br /> <br /> Marmorini was then asked to explain the importance of running engines for customer teams. “They provide a very important opportunity for us,” he said. “It gives us more engines from which to get information and, with testing banned during the season, it provides us with a much wider data base.” <br /> <br /> Next year’s engines are of course a big talking point with a major change in the rules and a return to turbocharging. It’s a huge task, as Marmorini explained. “We have a team working on 2014 engines and while we cannot say everything is already set in stone, it’s true to say that the development phase is already quite advanced. It’s just over a year that we’ve had an engine on the dyno. It’s definitely interesting from a technical point of view but there is still a lot of development work to be carried out, not just at Ferrari but for all the teams, who will have to use the same turbo, which is of a completely different type to the one we saw back in the Eighties. It’s a very tight deadline, but we have got an intensive development programme in place and we hope to have a power train that delivers good performance with reliability right from the start of the 2014 season. At the moment, no ruling has been put in place which would allow us to test the new type of engines outside the usual testing limitations. However, I would estimate that, by the second half of this season, every team will have an engine that, while not being the finished article will be the engine that will be used in 2014 and the top teams will have an engine that is 90% the same as the one that will be raced next year. And of course, with the rule change, this new engine will be expected to complete almost double the mileage of the current ones and getting it to run reliably will be a very big task.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130220-testing-at-the-catalunya-circuit.aspxMontmelo 20 February - Second day of testing for Scuderia Ferrari and the ten other Formula 1 teams, running at the Catalunya circuit, on the outskirts of BarcelonaF1 NewsWed, 20 Feb 2013 18:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,february 2013,2013,montmelo circuit,alonso,test/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130220_test_barca_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130220_test_barca_260x200.jpgCircuit: Catalunya Circuit, Montmelo -4.655 km<br /> Driver: Fernando Alonso<br /> Car: Ferrari F138<br /> Weather: air temperature 7/20°C, track temperature 8/26 °C. Sunny.<br /> <br /> Montmelo 20 February - Second day of testing for Scuderia Ferrari and the ten other Formula 1 teams, running at the Catalunya circuit, on the outskirts of Barcelona.<br /> <br /> Fernando Alonso was again at the wheel of the F138: the Spaniard did fewer kilometres than on the first day, because of a problem with an exhaust pipe, that prevented him from getting through all the day’s planned programme. Nevertheless, he did 76 laps, the quickest in a time of 1.23.247, acquiring useful data relating to car development and a comparison of the Pirelli tyres.<br /> <br /> Testing continues tomorrow at this circuit, again with the Spaniard on track.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130219-testing-in-barcelona-over-500-kilometres-for-alonso-on-his-debut.aspxFirst day of testing for Scuderia Ferrari and the ten other Formula 1 teams, running at theF1 NewsTue, 19 Feb 2013 19:00:00 GMTbarcelona circuit,alonso,scuderia ferrari,test,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130219_alonso_130093_tst_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130219_alonso_130093_tst_260x200.jpgCircuit: Catalunya Circuit, Montmelo – 4.655 km<br /> Driver: Fernando Alonso<br /> Car: Ferrari F138<br /> Weather: air temperature 13/17°C, track temperature 13/28 °C. Cloudy in the morning, then sunny in the afternoon.<br /> <br /> First day of testing for Scuderia Ferrari and the ten other Formula 1 teams, running at the Catalunya circuit, on the outskirts of Barcelona, from now until Friday. Fernando Alonso made his seasonal track debut, driving the F138 for the first time.<br /> <br /> The entire day was dedicated almost entirely to acquiring data for use in the development of the car and on gaining a greater understanding of the Pirelli tyres. Fernando completed a total of 110 laps, with a best time of 1.19.952.<br /> <br /> Fernando Alonso: “I feel reasonably pleased with this first day and I can say I share Felipe’s opinion that the car is on another planet compared to the one we began with on the first day of testing last year. The programme for this first session in Barcelona is aimed mainly at improving reliability, with the target of completing more than a hundred laps every day. Then, at next week’s test we can concentrate on performance. Tomorrow, we will complete what we were unable to do today and we will focus on car set-up, to adapt it as well as possible to the tyres. I knew from looking at the Jerez data what sort of car I would find here today, as in fact we know more or less what we will see at the first race in Australia, in terms of what new parts we will have and how many tenths they will produce. This is down to all the work done over the winter in the wind tunnel and the numerous tests which confirm that the parts that are on their way will give the expected results.”<br /> <br /> Testing continues tomorrow at this track, again with the Spaniard at the wheel.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130219-fda-a-special-prize-for-the-formula-3-winner.aspxMaranello, 19 February - It’s been announced today that thanks to the combined efforts of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the Maranello based Ferrari Driver AcademyF1 NewsTue, 19 Feb 2013 12:30:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,fda,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130219_130005fda_fda_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130219_130005fda_fda_260x200.jpgMaranello, 19 February - It’s been announced today that thanks to the combined efforts of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the Maranello based Ferrari Driver Academy, the winner of the 2013 European FIA F3 Championship will get the chance to drive a Ferrari Formula 1 car. This initiative aims to re-establish the championship, which gets underway at Monza on 22 March, as a key stage in a race driver’s education. “Driving a Formula 3 car is the ideal way to learn about single-seaters, because of its perfect balance between grip and power, and this is why we choose to reward the winner with what is a dream for every racing driver, namely a day at the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car,” maintains the Head of the Ferrari Driver Academy, Luca Baldisserri. <br /> <br /> As a clear indication of the importance attached to the European FIA F3 Championship, the prize is now part of the Maranello Academy’s initiatives aimed at bringing on young driving talent from around the globe. As part of this programme, back in January, the 19 year old Chinese driver, Cao Martin Hongwei, had a test session in the simulator and on track at Fiorano, at the wheel of a Formula 3 car, thanks to a working agreement between the FDA and the Chinese Automobile Federation.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130219-scuderia-ferrari-strengthens-its-position-with-ups.aspxMontmelo, 19 February – As from today, the Catalunya circuit is hosting the second pre-season test session on the Formula 1 calendar.F1 NewsTue, 19 Feb 2013 11:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130219_130027_new_ups_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130219_130027_new_ups_260x200.jpg<b>Domenicali: “One of the best known brands in the world”</b> <br /> <br /> Montmelo, 19 February – As from today, the Catalunya circuit is hosting the second pre-season test session on the Formula 1 calendar. Getting proceedings underway for Scuderia Ferrari was a pit lane photocall to launch a new sponsorship agreement, which begins today, with UPS, a leading company in the field of logistics. It’s a multi-year agreement and it covers more than a simple sponsorship of the Scuderia, as it also includes the gradual integration of its transport services, not just for the F1 team, but also for activities run by the Corse Clienti Department, such as its involvement in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the European series of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli. Helping with the unveiling of the new logo on the sides of the F138, along with the top management of UPS, was Fernando Alonso, who is driving the car for the first time this week. The arrival of several prestigious marques and the renewal of agreements with long term partners buck the present sponsorship trend in the current economic climate. <br /> <br /> “We are very pleased to have UPS on board as a new partner, one of the best known and most successful brands in the world,” said Scuderia Team Principal, Stefano Domenicali. “Excellence, innovation and precision are a fundamental part of our job and I’m sure that working with UPS, who share these values, will allow us to experiment with new ways of working and increase all aspects of our team’s efficiency.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130219-ups-new-sponsor-of-scuderia-ferrari.aspxMaranello, 19 February - Scuderia Ferrari announces that it has reached a sponsorship agreement with UPS, a leading company in the field of logistics, with a presence in over 220 countries and territories around the worldF1 NewsTue, 19 Feb 2013 08:45:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/190213_Maranello18022013-236_ups_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/190213_Maranello18022013-236_ups_260x200.jpgMaranello, 19 February - Scuderia Ferrari announces that it has reached a sponsorship agreement with UPS, a leading company in the field of logistics, with a presence in over 220 countries and territories around the world. <br /> <br /> The multi-year agreement will not simply be limited to the role of Sponsor to the Scuderia, but will also extend to the racing activities run by Corse Clienti, including participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship and an involvement in the <br /> <br /> European series of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli championship. <br /> <br /> Furthermore, UPS becomes Ferrari's Official Logistics Partner through the gradual integration of its own transport services providing freight movement on a global level.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130218-ferrari-the-world-s-most-powerful-brand.aspxMaranello, 18 February – Ferrari is the world’s most powerful brandF1 NewsMon, 18 Feb 2013 11:30:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,2013,february 2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130218_best_brands_260x200_ITA_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130218_best_brands_260x200_ITA.jpgMaranello, February 18th – Ferrari is the world’s most powerful brand. And not simply in the opinion of millions of Prancing Horse enthusiasts the world over, indeed, the clients that continue to buy the cars built at Maranello year after year, but according to the annual list compiled by leading brand valuation experts, Brand Finance. <br /> <br /> Ferrari took the number one spot of the top five most powerful brands in 2013 ahead of the likes of Google, Coca-Cola, PwC and Hermes on a list that includes the 500 most famous companies in the world. Because of its size - explains Brand Finance -, the Maranello company cannot compete with the large multinational brands in terms of overall revenues. However, its brand rating takes into account other financial metrics, such as net margins, average revenue per customer, and advertising and marketing spend, as well as qualitative parameters, such as brand affection and loyalty. <br /> <br /> “It is always a pleasure to top any list and still more so when the competition includes some of the world’s most famous companies. This achievement proves that even in very tough economic times, Italy can still offer the world businesses of excellence,” commented Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo. “Behind this acknowledgement are exceptional products made by equally exceptional men and women. They made it possible and for that I thank them.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130217-second-test-for-ferrari-first-test-for-alonso.aspxMaranello, 17 February – Formula 1 continues its winter residency in Spain, when the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona, hosts the second pre-season test session starting on Tuesday. F1 NewsSun, 17 Feb 2013 11:00:00 GMTalonso,massa,de la rosa,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130217_alaonso_1300033_eve_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130217_alaonso_1300033_eve_260x200.jpgMaranello, 17 February – Formula 1 continues its winter residency in Spain, when the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona, hosts the second pre-season test session starting on Tuesday. The four day test, from 19th to 22nd February, will give Scuderia Ferrari the opportunity to confirm its findings from the week spent in Jerez and hopefully, move forward in terms of understanding and performance: pretty much the same goals as the ten other teams, albeit with one added element, the first on-track appearance of 2013 for Fernando Alonso. The Spanish double world champion will have a direct effect on the week’s events, as the crowds will flock to the circuit to see their hero in action, creating a noisy buzz that’s unusual for testing. <br /> <br /> In light of the total twelve days of testing, to allow the Spanish to complete his training programme, two weeks ago the team had decided to opt for Felipe Massa and Pedro de la Rosa for the first session in Jerez. Fernando has therefore maximized the time available and tackled the task with great dedication, performing a focused physical preparation worthy of the best Olympic athlete by alternating between gym sessions, running and biking. Now Fernando is ready to slip into the cockpit of the F138 and benefit from all the work of Felipe and Pedro in Andalusia. This week it will be the Brazilian to sit out for the first three days, with the handover from his team-mate scheduled on Friday. <br /> <br /> After driving in Jerez, Massa declared to be optimistic but cautious: the F138 is a much better starting base than the F2012 and only a constant development work will say if it will be better than the competitors’ cars as well. The Brazilian even stated he was more impressed with Jenson Button’s lap times but the fact that Felipe set the quickest time of the four days had already been seized on by observers as a sign that the Prancing Horse will gallop away with the title. However, in Maranello, the culture of not paying attention to speculation, focussing on one’s own tasks and working hard means that preparing for another week of testing has been occupying everyone’s time to the full, without any distractions. 2013 is the last season run to the current rules and after a long period of stability in the regulations, the performance levels between the teams inevitably closes up, so a positive start in Jerez is just that, a positive start and nothing more. <br /> <br /> While time spent in Jerez was useful, the Circuit de Catalunya is reckoned to be a more realistic test of how a car really performs, with aerodynamics, the key to modern F1 performance, playing a more important role here. Therefore, the Scuderia Ferrari job sheet for the four days includes more tyre testing, on a track surface that is more representative of what lies ahead in terms of degradation and pace, while aerodynamically, the engineers will continue gathering data, as well as already introducing some new elements and updates, as part of a relentless development programme that began even before the F138 turned a wheel.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130212-alonso-an-ambassador-for-marca-espana.aspxMadrid, 12 February – Fernando Alonso is a symbol of Spain all over the world and today there was tangible proof of that, when he was nominated as an Honorary Ambassador for “Marca EspañaF1 NewsTue, 12 Feb 2013 17:00:00 GMTalonso,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130212_alonso_130023_new_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130212_alonso_130023_new_260x200.jpgMadrid, 12 February – Fernando Alonso is a symbol of Spain all over the world and today there was tangible proof of that, when he was nominated as an Honorary Ambassador for “Marca España,” by the association of famous Spanish brands (FMRE, Foro de Marcas Renombradas Espanolas.) The association is made up of around a hundred companies and various Public Administration bodies. The induction ceremony was carried out by the Prince and Princess of Asturias, Felipe and Letizia of Spain, this morning at the headquarters of Santander Bank in Madrid, in the presence of its President, Emilio Botin and various Spanish authorities. Alonso, who has just returned from an intensive training camp in the heat of Dubai, is now ready to return to the race track. The Ferrari man will make his debut at the wheel of the new F138 at the next test session, which gets underway on 19 February at the Catalunya Circuit, on the outskirts of Barcelona.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130208-a-lot-of-precious-data-from-jerez.aspxJerez de la Frontera, 8 February – The first test of the season for Scuderia Ferrari and the ten other Formula 1 teams came to a close today in AndalusiaF1 NewsFri, 08 Feb 2013 20:30:00 GMTjerez circuit,de la rosa,scuderia ferrari,test,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130208_130077_tst_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130208_130077_tst_260x200.jpgJerez de la Frontera, 8 February – The first test of the season for Scuderia Ferrari and the ten other Formula 1 teams came to a close today in Andalusia. Therefore one third of the 2013 testing programme is now completed: with Felipe Massa on the first three days and then Pedro De La Rosa on the final one the team completed an intense programme which will continue on track in two weeks’ time in Barcelona. <br /> <br /> Today, Pedro’s gearbox issue resulted in fewer kilometres but luckily in the afternoon the Spaniard was able to complete his workload. Tomorrow, there will be the usual debriefing with the engineers who followed the sessions from home and they will be joined by Team Principal Stefano Domenicali to go over the past four days of testing. At first glance, the data obtained confirms Massa’s first impressions who rated the F138 as an easier car to drive, more stable and better balanced compared to the F2012. Having said so, the solutions the team tested will require in-depth research, a task that went on for much of the test session and which will continue in Maranello and in the next test at the Catalunya circuit. For the time being, the direction in which to move forward seems very clear. <br /> <br /> In Jerez the car racked up a decent number of kilometres although they are never enough for the engineers and the work in the garage was never ending in the attempt to test the different technical solutions planned ahead of the test. There are areas that definitely need improving, but the first set-up changes made between Tuesday and Friday delivered positive results so the team can be optimistic. Nevertheless, it is paramount to keep the feet on the ground as every year the same rule applies: Felipe’s fastest lap of the week counts for little and one must be cautious as there are never accurate benchmark levels. Now the work must proceed quickly and calmly to improve the car and to ensure that reliability can also be counted on as a given, just as it was in 2012. Between now and Melbourne there is just over a month and before then come two sessions at Montmelò to prepare for the opening round as well as possible.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130208-de-la-rosa-it-was-vital-to-get-back-on-track.aspxJerez de la Frontera, 8 February – A programme of two halves for Scuderia Ferrari on the last day of the Jerez test, the first session of the winter which saw the Maranello squad and the ten other teams working at the Andalusian trackF1 NewsFri, 08 Feb 2013 20:00:00 GMTjerez circuit,de la rosa,scuderia ferrari,test,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130208_130065_tst_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130208_130065_tst_260x200.jpgJerez de la Frontera, 8 February – A programme of two halves for Scuderia Ferrari on the last day of the Jerez test, the first session of the winter which saw the Maranello squad and the ten other teams working at the Andalusian track. Pedro de la Rosa’s debut at the wheel of the F138, in his role as test driver now that he has been brought in to join the Ferrari family, did not go quite as expected. There was a gearbox glitch which sidelined the car after it had done just two laps. After a long stop in the garage while the mechanics fixed the problem, the car was back on track to complete the afternoon programme, which was given over mainly to analysing various aerodynamic configurations and set-up tests, as well as the usual long runs. <br /> <br /> &quot;All in all it's been a positive day for me, I finally got a feel for the car and that will be very important when it comes to comparing the data with the simulator as we develop the car,” said the Spaniard. &quot;We are not yet where we want to be on our simulation and there will be a lot of work to do, but that's why I've been taken on and in my own small way I hope to do my best to contribute to the progress of the Scuderia. I had a lot of mixed feelings today: I was very excited to drive the car but when I got out after the first two laps I was not exactly happy. All my life I've been waiting for an opportunity like this and to see it end after just a few corners was definitely not nice, especially because I wasn't sure that we would be able to continue with the programme. But then the team did an amazing job and it was vital to get back on track given how few days are available to us.&quot; <br /> <br /> De La Rosa eventually managed 51 laps on the final day, with a best time of 1.20.316. The quickest time was set by Kimi Raikkonen (1.18.148) in the Lotus, ahead of Jules Bianchi (1.18.175) in the Force India and Sebastian Vettel (1.18.656) in the Red Bull. Felipe Massa gets the prize for being quickest over the whole four days, his work at the wheel providing the Maranello crew with their first impressions of the new car and delivering valuable data for the coming session in Barcelona. The Brazilian’s best lap of 1.17.879 was set yesterday, on the last of his three days in the cockpit of the F138. His workload involved evaluating different exhaust configurations, endurance runs and a comparison of the various Pirelli tyres on offer.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130208-de-la-rosa-makes-his-debut-in-jerez.aspxMaranello, 8 February - Fourth and final day of testing for Scuderia Ferrari at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit, in southern Spain, with Pedro De la Rosa making his first official track appearance for the team at the wheel of the F138F1 NewsFri, 08 Feb 2013 18:50:00 GMTjerez circuit,de la rosa,scuderia ferrari,test,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130208_130074_tst_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130208_130074_tst_260x200.jpgCircuit: Jerez Circuit – 4.428 km<br /> Driver: Pedro de la Rosa<br /> Car: Ferrari F138<br /> Weather: air temperature 5/18°C, track temperature 6/23 °C. Sunny.<br /> <br /> Maranello, 8 February - Fourth and final day of testing for Scuderia Ferrari at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit, in southern Spain, with Pedro De la Rosa making his first official track appearance for the team at the wheel of the F138.<br /> <br /> After work on getting him comfortable in the car was completed, Pedro then began driving on what would be a day of contrasting fortunes: on only his second installation lap, the Spaniard had to stop the car with a technical problem on the gearbox. The team then worked for the rest of the morning to put it right. The afternoon however was more productive, especially as the end of testing was put back by half an hour to make up for time lost when the track itself required some maintenance work. Pedro was thus able to complete his programme, which had been revised as a result of the long stop in the garage and which focused mainly on testing various aerodynamic configurations.<br /> <br /> The total number of laps completed was 51, with a best time of 1.20.316.<br /> <br /> Pre-season testing will resume at the Circuit de Catalunya, near Barcelona, from 19 to 22 February.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130207-massa-three-very-important-days.aspxJerez de la Frontera, 7 February - Felipe Massa’s first encounter with the new F138 ended today at the Jerez circuit. At the first of three winter test sessions taking place on Spanish soilF1 NewsThu, 07 Feb 2013 19:50:00 GMTjerez circuit,massa,scuderia ferrari,test,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130207_massa_130040_tst_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130207_massa_130040_tst_260x200.jpgJerez de la Frontera, 7 February - Felipe Massa’s first encounter with the new F138 ended today at the Jerez circuit. At the first of three winter test sessions taking place on Spanish soil, Felipe got through a packed programme centred mainly on aerodynamic testing, analysing exhaust configurations and on a comparison of the various tyre types brought here by Pirelli. <br /> <br /> “These were three very important days,” said the Ferrari man. “They were especially useful in the sense of finding the right direction for the team to focus on when it come to the development work between now and the opening round in Australia. We had a lot of items to test and the car went well, it was not difficult to drive and it seemed to me to be quite stable and balanced. Today, we fitted the soft compound tyres for the first time and I went faster than I had expected. The quick lap? It means nothing and while I’m pleased to have done a good time, that was not the priority: we must still concentrate on the car set-up and we will definitely be doing this during the next test in Barcelona. Several teams have very quick and well balanced cars and so I am one hundred percent keeping my feet on the ground.” <br /> <br /> For tomorrow’s final day of testing, the F138 will be entrusted to Pedro de la Rosa, who, as from this year, is a test driver for Scuderia Ferrari. Given his role of development work in the simulator at Maranello, tomorrow’s session will be very important for the Catalan driver and for the whole team, giving both parties the chance to work on the correlation between the virtual and the real world.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130207-1005km-for-felipe-massa-at-jerez.aspxThird day of testing for Scuderia Ferrari at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit, in southern Spain. For the third consecutive day, Felipe Massa was at the wheel of the F138, getting through the planned programme established before the start of the testF1 NewsThu, 07 Feb 2013 18:00:00 GMTjerez circuit,massa,scuderia ferrari,test,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130208_massa_130044_tst_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130208_massa_130044_tst_260x200.jpgCircuit: Jerez Circuit– 4.428 km<br /> Driver: Felipe Massa<br /> Car: Ferrari F138<br /> Weather: air temperature 3/18 °C, track temperature 5/25 °C. Sunny. <br /> <br /> Third day of testing for Scuderia Ferrari at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit, in southern Spain. For the third consecutive day, Felipe Massa was at the wheel of the F138, getting through the planned programme established before the start of the test, without any problems. <br /> <br /> In the first part of the day, the Brazilian completed the work which began yesterday and from mid-morning onwards, moved on to a comparison of the various compounds supplied by Pirelli. Back on track after the lunch break, Felipe had a harmless spin and was thus able to end the day, concentrating on long run tests. <br /> <br /> The total number of laps completed was 85, with a best time of 1.17.879. <br /> <br /> Testing continues at this circuit tomorrow, with Pedro De la Rosa making his debut.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130206-second-day-of-testing-at-jerez.aspxMaranello, 6 February - Second day of testing for Scuderia Ferrari at the Jerez de la Frontera circuitF1 NewsWed, 06 Feb 2013 19:00:00 GMTmassa,scuderia ferrari,test,february 2013,2013,jerez circuit/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130206_130029_tst_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130206_130029_tst_260x200.jpgCircuit: Jerez Circuit– 4.428 km<br /> Driver: Felipe Massa<br /> Car: Ferrari F138<br /> Weather: air temperature 6/22 °C, track temperature 7/28 °C. Sunny.<br /> <br /> Maranello, 6 February - Second day of testing for Scuderia Ferrari at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit.<br /> <br /> At the wheel of the F138, Felipe Massa continued the work of acquiring data on the car’s behaviour which began yesterday. Also on the day’s programme was an assessment of various configurations of exhaust and some long runs.<br /> <br /> Felipe completed a total of 78 laps, the quickest in a time of 1.19.914.<br /> <br /> <b>Felipe Massa:</b> “Today, we concentrated 100% on the aerodynamic side and on the exhausts.<br /> <br /> In the morning, I didn’t even do a flying lap because we used the time available to do constant speed runs and to analyse various aerodynamic solutions. All the changes to the car took longer than planned, but in the afternoon, I managed to do three long runs which were very important in order to understand which direction we need to follow in the coming days.”<br /> <br /> Testing continues at this circuit tomorrow, again with the Brazilian driver on track.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130206-relentless-work-in-jerez.aspxJerez de la Frontera, 6 February – Work goes on relentlessly in the Scuderia Ferrari garage, with the F138 back in action for the second day of testing at the Jerez de la Frontera circuitF1 NewsWed, 06 Feb 2013 17:00:00 GMTjerez circuit,massa,scuderia ferrari,test,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130206_130019_tst_sost_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130206_130019_tst_sost_260x200.jpgJerez de la Frontera, 6 February – Work goes on relentlessly in the Scuderia Ferrari garage, with the F138 back in action for the second day of testing at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit, as all the teams entered in this year’s Formula 1 World Championship tackle their first four day test session. The afternoon was given over to aerodynamic testing and long runs, with Felipe Massa completing a total of 78 laps. A large amount of data has been acquired relating to the various exhaust configurations tried during the morning and this will now be analysed by the engineers, to add to what they learned yesterday relating to the car’s behaviour. <br /> <br /> Quickest today was Romain Grosjean in the Lotus with a time of 1:18.218, ahead of the Force India of Paul di Resta (1:19.003) and Daniel Ricciardo in the Toro Rosso (1:19.134) <br /> <br /> Felipe Massa was eighth quickest in the F138 with a time of 1:19.914, on a short time sheet that featured eleven other drivers. The Scuderia engineers are not bothered about lap times, preferring to concentrate on getting on with items on the job sheet, so as to plan the work for the remaining two days, with the Brazilian again at the wheel tomorrow.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130205-massa.aspxExperience counts and Felipe Massa is well aware of that, especially when it comes to the debut of a new Formula 1 car, when it’s that initial feeling that matters.F1 NewsTue, 05 Feb 2013 19:00:00 GMTjerez circuit,massa,scuderia ferrari,test,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130205_massa_130002_tst_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130205_massa_130002_tst_260x200.jpgExperience counts and Felipe Massa is well aware of that, especially when it comes to the debut of a new Formula 1 car, when it’s that initial feeling that matters. Today, in the hands of the Brazilian, the Ferrari F138 got its first kilometres under its belt – 284 to be precise – during the opening day of a month of testing spent on Spanish soil. Felipe seemed calm and relaxed at the end of the day and that’s the impression he gave the journalists here in Jerez, as he told them he was pleased with the work the team had done. “The first impression is definitely a positive one,” maintained the Ferrari man. “We did not run as much as I had expected, but that’s normal when you are testing a new car. On a track like this where traction counts for a lot and the tyres feel it, I got a positive feeling as far as the balance of the car is concerned and I think that, especially at the rear, we are going in the right direction and it feels more solid. It’s definitely a different situation to last year, because the basis for this year is in much better shape. There is still a way to go before we understand the true behaviour of the car, but we are on the right road. There is still a great deal to do, as far as testing and development are concerned, but I am confident that this year, we will not lose time in understanding, as happened in 2012, what was the problem and how to solve it. Now we have a little more than a month to concentrate on the job, to be as well prepared as possible for the first race.” <br /> <br /> Scuderia Ferrari was sixth on the time sheet, but it’s always difficult to evaluate what that means during testing, because of the usual unknowns linked to fuel load and in this case, the fact it’s the very first day, when the work schedule can vary a lot from team to team. Tomorrow, Felipe will be back at the wheel for another busy session.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130205-jerez-test-session-debut-of-the-f138.aspxMaranello, 5 February - First day of testing in 2013 for Scuderia Ferrari, as the F138 made its debut with Felipe Massa at the wheelF1 NewsTue, 05 Feb 2013 18:00:00 GMTjerez circuit,massa,scuderia ferrari,test,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130208_massa_130012_tst_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130208_massa_130012_tst_260x200.jpgCircuit: Jerez circuit – 4.428 km<br /> Driver: Felipe Massa<br /> Car: Ferrari F138<br /> Weather: air temperature 7/22 °C, track temperature 6/27 °C. Sunny. <br /> <br /> Maranello, 5 February - First day of testing in 2013 for Scuderia Ferrari, as the F138 made its debut with Felipe Massa at the wheel.<br /> <br /> The entire day was given over almost entirely to acquiring data relating to the behaviour of the new car: Felipe completed a total of 64 laps, the quickest in a time of 1.20.536.<br /> <br /> Testing continues at this circuit tomorrow, again with the Brazilian driving.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130205-green-lights-at-jerez.aspxJerez de la Frontera, 5 February – And we’re off again. This morning saw the start of the first day of testing with Felipe Massa at the wheel of the Ferrari F138, as it made its official track debutF1 NewsTue, 05 Feb 2013 14:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,massa,f138,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130205_130014_tst_luci_verdi_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130205_130014_tst_luci_verdi_260x200.jpgJerez de la Frontera, 5 February – And we’re off again. This morning saw the start of the first day of testing with Felipe Massa at the wheel of the Ferrari F138, as it made its official track debut. Running at the Andalusian circuit began shortly after 9, when the light went green at the end of pit lane and the engine was fired up in the Ferrari garage prior to Felipe completing the usual installation laps. After a brief pause caused by a couple of red flags – the first courtesy of Button in the McLaren and the second down to Rosberg’s Mercedes – the team got on with its work, centred mainly on data acquisition relating to the handling of the car. By the time of the lunch break, the Brazilian had completed 47 laps, his fastest set in 1:21.024. At this point, Romain Grosjean gets the prize for the fastest lap, in 1:19.796.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130202-f138-chapter-1-let-the-adventure-begin.aspxMaranello, 2 February – “The Hopeful one,” the Red one, the F138 that was inaugurated yesterday on a foggy and emotional Maranello morning, in front of the Ferrari top brass, the media, partners and millions of Prancing Horse fans...F1 NewsSat, 02 Feb 2013 18:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,f138,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130202_130059_f138_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130202_130059_f138_260x200.jpgMaranello, 2 February – “The Hopeful one,” the Red one, the F138 that was inaugurated yesterday on a foggy and emotional Maranello morning, in front of the Ferrari top brass, the media, partners and millions of Prancing Horse fans, has now begun its adventure. The first car to be built left Maranello this afternoon, setting off on the long trip to Jerez de la Frontera in Spain, scene of the first of just three test sessions this season. Some members of the team are already on site to await its arrival, before it tackles four days of testing from 5 to 8 February, when every element of it will be analysed under the Andalusian sun. Late tomorrow morning, the final members of the team will fly out of Bologna airport with motivation and just one aim packed away in their luggage: to work in the minutest detail to acquire valuable data relating to the car’s behaviour.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130201-alonso-e-massa-we-want-to-win-for-this-team.aspxMaranello, 1 February - There were plenty of questions for the Scuderia Ferrari race drivers at the press conference which followed on from the presentation of the F138 and which also featured Team Principal, Stefano Domenicali.F1 NewsFri, 01 Feb 2013 17:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,f138,february 2013,2013,alonso,massa/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130201_130031_f138_alomas_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130201_130031_f138_alomas_260x200.jpgMaranello, 1 February - There were plenty of questions for the Scuderia Ferrari race drivers at the press conference which followed on from the presentation of the F138 and which also featured Team Principal, Stefano Domenicali. <br /> <br /> Asked about the reasons why he will miss the Jerez de la Frontera test, Alonso said that, “the first test is a general test in which one checks that all the components are put together properly. Given the short amount of time available, we have decided that I will concentrate on the following tests: testing in Barcelona is more useful for measuring performance as well as being a circuit we race on. In the meantime, I will continue with my preparation and will follow the Jerez test, keeping in touch with Felipe and Pedro and analysing the data acquired by the engineers. To be 100% fit from now ‘til November will require combining training and resting. I can’t say if it’s a nice car or if it’s good enough to make the difference, because tenths are not visible to the eye, you need to see them from the cockpit. Now, all we can do is concentrate on testing.” <br /> <br /> It falls to Massa to give the new car its first taste of the track. “The first test is very useful to understand the direction in which we should go and where we need to do the most work,” commented the Brazilian. “Last year, I had a very positive second half to the season and I really want to get back on track and continue with the work that has seen me improve a lot over the past years. My aim is always the same, to give my all, right from the start of the season.” <br /> <br /> Both drivers were asked about their motivation to win at this point in their career and their response was unanimous: “The sooner we win the better and we want to win for this team, for what it means and to be part of the history that makes up the legend that is Ferrari.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130201-domenicali-we-want-to-give-fernando-and-felipe-a-competitive-car.aspxMaranello, 1 February 2013 - After President Luca di Montezemolo, it was Stefano Domenicali’s turn to face the press and the first question centred on the work that went into designing the F138F1 NewsFri, 01 Feb 2013 16:25:00 GMTdomenicali,luca di montezemolo,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130201_domenicali_130046_f138_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130201_domenicali_130046_f138_260x200.jpgMaranello, 1 February 2013 - After President Luca di Montezemolo, it was Stefano Domenicali’s turn to face the press and the first question centred on the work that went into designing the F138 and his expectations about the work of the team. “There are areas of development on the car which will be very important, from now until the end of the year. We have a clear goal, which is to give Fernando and Felipe a competitive car, at the highest level. Then, it will be our drivers and the team that can make the difference. Our approach from the first race on must be the right one and we must be mentally ready to deal with very tense moments. We definitely don’t want to find ourselves having to fight like last year to close down a 1.6 second gap to the fastest. <br /> <br /> “We spoke of this a few days ago and I reaffirm that it is hard to maintain concentration and not spend too much time looking at what’s going on elsewhere,” continued the Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal, on the topic of his expectations. “Better to concentrate our efforts on ourselves and ensure we manage the tension, otherwise there’s the risk of giving a helping hand to those who are fighting the same battle with the same aims. If we come up against surprises in the early part of the season, we will try and stay focused, prioritising the reasons why things have not gone as expected.” <br /> <br /> As for the development programme for the F138, Domenicali had this to say: “According to our planning, there will nothing too revolutionary, but rather an implementation of what we have seen so far. In my opinion a serious team has to focus on the fact that, in 2014 we face a completely different season in terms of the regulations and therefore, we must concentrate on bringing into play the right resources.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130201-luca-di-montezemolo-i-defined-this-car-as-hopeful.aspxMaranello, 1 February 2013 – “I liked this presentation,” was Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo’s opening remark to a crowd of journalists immediately after the F138 launchF1 NewsFri, 01 Feb 2013 14:50:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,f138,february 2013,montezemolo/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130201_montezemolo_2_130024_f138_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130201_montezemolo_2_130024_f138_260x200.jpgMaranello, 1 February 2013 – “I liked this presentation,” was Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo’s opening remark to a crowd of journalists immediately after the F138 launch. “I felt a special atmosphere, right from the start of the morning when I left my home in Bologna. We had not seen fog here for a long time and it reminded me of the 1997 presentation, the year when Ferrari began its winning cycle. <br /> <br /> “During the ceremony, I was moved by the tribute to the Avvocato Agnelli, someone who was very important in my life and whom I miss a lot, a man who was of fundamental importance to Ferrari on so many occasions, at the race track and in the factory. <br /> <br /> “Apart from my family, Ferrari is the most important thing in my life and every time I walk into the factory, even after all these years, it puts me in a good mood and I continue to get new stimuli and ideas. Today’s presentation went off with good spirit and passion and I’m pleased about that.” <br /> <br /> Asked about the technical characteristics of the F138, the President had this to say: “yesterday afternoon, I saw it and I defined it as “hopeful,” because I noted plenty of attention to detail, especially in areas where aerodynamics are key. Why should I hope this car is competitive right from the first race? The answer is threefold. Firstly, because of the obsessively detailed review of the past season, secondly, the major changes to the organisation and work methodology and thirdly, the concentration on just one wind tunnel, which will be important, especially throughout this season. Track testing is not available to us, something many would like to see reintroduced, so we have concentrated more on simulation tools. Bringing an experienced driver like De la Rosa to Maranello is part of this strategy and attention to detail.” <br /> <br /> The conversation switched to engines, given that 2013 is the final year for the V8. “A V6 engine is not part of the Ferrari tradition and in the name of the F138, we are paying homage to the 8 cylinder engine and the fact this is the last year we will use it. I continue to maintain, for economic, musical and power reasons that it would be better to stick with 8 cylinders. But the decision has been taken to build the V6 and if next year, there will be modifications that are in the best interests of Formula 1, then I will even be pleased to see this engine at work and in fact, I’m sure Ferrari is capable of building the strongest V6 in the world.” <br /> <br /> Asked why Alonso was not taking part in the first test at Jerez, the President said, “the decision not to run Fernando in the first week at Jerez was dictated by the wish to allow him to stick to a very precise physical training programme. However, for the Barcelona test, attention will switch to performance, which is why Fernando will start then, rather than the first few days.” <br /> <br /> As for the wind tunnel, Montezemolo set out the reasons for not using the one in Maranello. “We had our doubts as to the correlation of data from the wind tunnel and the track, therefore we decided to close the Maranello wind tunnel, to update it while concentrating only on the Toyota wind tunnel. This will be important, especially in the coming months for the development of the car. I hope that, after the summer break, the rebuilt wind tunnel will open again here at Ferrari.” As for the idea of Vettel driving for Ferrari, Montezemolo said that it was not possible to have the German teamed with Alonso. As for the third driver, the choice is between De la Rosa and Bianchi and the question is under discussion at the moment. <br /> <br /> With the drivers and Domenicali alongside him, the President chose to highlight the importance of the sponsors, such as up market brands like Swiss watchmaker Hublot, the Russian high-tech company Kaspersky and for the first time a Chinese sponsor, Weichai Power. “Our team was becoming Spanish with Gene and De la Rosa and we wanted to increase the presence of the Italian flag at Ferrari to show how important is our country and our roots to us.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130201-nikolas-tombazis-chief-designer-a-strong-package-for-the-first-race.aspxMaranello, 1 February - Scuderia Ferrari’s Chief Designer, Nikolas Tombazis, like all his peers along the pit lane, will be eagerly awaiting the first few days of testing to get a glimpse of what the coming season might holdF1 NewsFri, 01 Feb 2013 14:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,f138,february 2013,2013,tombazis/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130201_Tombazis_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130201_Tombazis_260x200.jpgMaranello, 1 February - Scuderia Ferrari’s Chief Designer, Nikolas Tombazis, like all his peers along the pit lane, will be eagerly awaiting the first few days of testing to get a glimpse of what the coming season might hold. For Tombazis, he will not only be looking for validation of his team’s work, but also for confirmation that the new organisational structure put in place last year in Maranello is taking the team in the right direction. <br /> <br /> “The recent reorganisation of the team after a couple of disappointing seasons had an impact on my position when it became clear that there were too many demands on my time overseeing both the mechanical and aerodynamic aspects,” says Tombazis. “In order to alleviate this difficulty, we have created the role of Deputy Chief Designer with two people in this position, each of them alternating car model years. We have also taken on a Head of Aerodynamics and some additional people to improve our methodology on the aero side. In turn, my role has evolved to oversee these activities, while freeing up time for me to spend on specific aerodynamic issues and on adopting a more creative approach. Over the last few years, Formula 1 has become ever more sophisticated so one person can no longer do every single thing.” <br /> <br /> The new organisation was the result of an in-depth internal enquiry into the shortcomings of the team. Apart from restructuring the human element, it also became clear that the beautiful Renzo Piano designed wind tunnel, was now in need of some modernisation. “Last year, we had to push on the development of the F2012 right to the end of the year, while initial development of the F138 began towards the end of last season with the bulk of the aerodynamic work being carried out in Maranello,” recalls Tombazis. “We also did some work in an external tunnel in 2012 and all the work for this season’s car will be carried out in the Toyota tunnel in Germany while we upgrade the Maranello wind tunnel to bring it up to the right level. It is now quite old and needs upgrading having served us well for twelve years. The ideal situation would be to have the wind tunnel right here and I cannot say that using a wind tunnel in Cologne is the perfect solution, but weighing up the medium and long term advantages of having an upgrade on our wind tunnel or carrying on as it was, we concluded that our current strategy was the best. We have taken steps to ensure communications and logistics are as effective as possible in 2013. But still, wherever the wind tunnel, the most important thing is to have good ideas and aerodynamic development and a good facility.” <br /> <br /> Tombazis is far too experienced in the ways of Formula 1 to make brave predictions for the coming season: “recent years have taught me not to say too much too early, so let’s wait and see what answer we get from the track. I think we have done a reasonable job and we certainly had to make a step up from where we had been in the past few years: the launch specification car, that will run at the first test, has had a relatively small amount of wind tunnel development because it was fixed straight after the end of the season, when we pushed so late on the F2012. However, I believe we will have a strong package for the third test and first race.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130201_simone-resta-deputy-chief-designer-there-was-a-significant-performance-gap-to-be-closed.aspxMaranello, 1 February - There’s a name, that will be unfamiliar to most outside the walls of the Ferrari factory, alongside a job title that is also unfamiliar and new to the Maranello teamF1 NewsFri, 01 Feb 2013 11:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,f138,february 2013,2013,resta/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/1300201_resta_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/1300201_resta_260x200.jpgMaranello, 1 February - There’s a name, that will be unfamiliar to most outside the walls of the Ferrari factory, alongside a job title that is also unfamiliar and new to the Maranello team: Simone Resta is now Deputy Chief Designer. “I started my Formula 1 career with the Minardi team, where I spent a few years, he explains. “Then I moved from Faenza to Maranello, working for Ferrari, first as a designer, then as a coordinator for a group of designers, followed by a time as head of Research and Development, before taking on my current role with the responsibility of coordinating the 2013 car project. In this role, I report to Nikolas Tombazis and to Pat Fry. As from this year, the design team has been split into two groups: one for this year’s car and one for next year’s.” This means that the F138 can be seen as Resta’s first car and he outlines some of the key details of this brand new single-seater. “There were very few changes to the regulations, but nevertheless we chose to work on and modify all aspects of the car, trying to move forward in every area, because we felt there was a significant amount of performance that could be gained with this new car. I would say the biggest changes relate to the front suspension, which has an improved layout, while at the rear, the suspension is completely new. We also have a revised sidepod design, aimed at improving the aerodynamics in this area, as well as a completely new layout for the exhaust system. <br /> <br /> “The car we will race in Melbourne will be quite different to the one seen at the launch and the first test,” continues Resta. “In the past few weeks we have improved and indeed in those ahead of us now, we can improve further, the performance of the car, which guarantees that the F138 in Melbourne will be significantly different to the F138 at Test 1…and hopefully quicker. I am reasonably happy with the car so far as there was a significant performance gap to be closed, something which we cannot deny, but I think we have done a good job in all areas, trying to cover all the weak points of its predecessor.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130201-corrado-lanzone-head-of-production-department-two-priorities-weight-reduction-and-miniaturisation.aspxMaranello, 1 February - Walk around the Ferrari factory and you won’t actually see anyone juggling or walking on a tightrope like a circus act, but metaphoricallyF1 NewsFri, 01 Feb 2013 11:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,f138,february 2013,2013,lanzone/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130201_Lanzone_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130201_Lanzone_260x200.jpgMaranello, 1 February - Walk around the Ferrari factory and you won’t actually see anyone juggling or walking on a tightrope like a circus act, but metaphorically, that’s what the Production Department has been doing for some time, firstly balancing the demands of the 2012 and 2013 cars and then the need to also look to 2014. <br /> <br /> “The fact we were fighting for the title right to the very last race in 2012 involved us in developing components such as wings and bodywork for the final rounds in the United States and Brazil, while at the same time developing the new 2013 car,” explains the Scuderia’s Head of Production, Corrado Lanzone. “So, a very big effort was required in terms of discipline, in respecting the plan so as to allow both car programmes to carry on correctly without either one compromising the other. In order to continue bringing developments to the F2012 so as to be in the fight right to the end and not affect the very important work on the F138, we imposed very strict organizational rules and this involved a great effort from everyone working here in the factory and from outside suppliers so as to reach the targets we had set ourselves.” <br /> <br /> The fact there is general stability in the rules does not necessarily mean less work, as there is always room for improvement. “When it came to the F138 our two priorities were weight reduction and miniaturisation,” continues Lanzone. “Whenever rules remain unchanged the engineers concentrate their efforts on weight reduction, weight distribution and producing components to the very highest feasible level. This means confronting many challenges on the production side, putting us on the technological cutting edge in these areas of weight reduction and miniaturization of the components. The production stage is when it is vital to get this work done correctly, because while it is relatively simple to change the shape of external parts of the car during the season, it is a harder task when it comes to the core components. Miniaturisation, especially at the rear end of the car, allows us to come up with designs of aerodynamic components which give us a gain in terms of aero efficiency points and, eventually, in lap time.” <br /> <br /> Working on two cars at the same time will still be the theme this year. “Like the need to continue development of the F2012 while working on the new F138, we now face another overlap, because of the need to look to the development and manufacturing linked to the 2014 car and new engine, while still fighting hard in 2013,” states Lanzone. “Our own staff and suppliers must again adopt a very disciplined approach so as not to compromise either programme, requiring a special effort on the organizational side, because the “time to market” of each element of the car must be met for the different steps in order for the project to be completed on time, so as to be in as strong a position as possible for 2014.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130201-pat-fry-technical-director-i-am-not-going-to-be-happy-until-we-re-clearly-quickest.aspxMaranello, 1 February - As Technical Director, Pat Fry is not only ultimately responsible for the F138 but also for the workforce that has produced it and he began by talking about the latterF1 NewsFri, 01 Feb 2013 11:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,f138,february 2013,2013,fry/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130201_Fry_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130201_Fry_260x200.jpgMaranello, 1 February - As Technical Director, Pat Fry is not only ultimately responsible for the F138 but also for the workforce that has produced it and he began by talking about the latter. “Among the changes made to our structure has been the appointment of two Deputy Chief Designers,” explained the Englishman. “With some big changes coming through it’s a better way to organise ourselves, when we need to run two concurrent car projects. This year’s car is more of an evolution than a revolution, based on similar concepts to the F2012 and in all the little areas of performance where we think we can gain something, we have looked for those gains. The car has changed in subtle ways, some areas more than others, but in general, the F138 is a development of last year’s car.” <br /> <br /> Although Fry agrees that fighting right to the end of last season for the title did have an impact on this year’s work, he is not overly concerned about it. “I think that is something that all the top teams will say,” he says. “In a way we were fortunate that we had already made the previously mentioned changes to our structure, as we were able to keep pushing on with last year’s car, while still being in reasonable shape for developing this year’s one. The biggest challenge was the aerodynamic side of things, as we started maybe three months later than is normal. We have quite a lot of catching up to do and you will see quite a lot of changes coming after the launch car: we will have some new parts for the second test and then another big upgrade for the third and final one, so lots of changes coming through.” <br /> <br /> Another effect of the future on the present is that not much of this year’s work will be useful next season. “The fact that the 2014 car will be very different – aerodynamically the exhaust effect is changed with the turbo and exhaust positions being different, the front wing development will be new, while the rear wing constitutes another major change - means that a lot of our 2013 work will not carry over, which will put an increased work load on aero departments and the design department as well,” reckons Fry. “However, I think the design side is working very well with the changes we made, working in conjunction with the power unit team. Having said that, there’s a huge amount of work to do on both car projects and we have to get to work early on the 2014 car to be in a good position.” <br /> <br /> One should not forget that Formula 1 is a team sport and therefore teamwork is another important constituent part of the whole package. “Apart from the car itself, you have to go after every last little bit of performance,” agrees Fry. “We have reviewed all last year’s races, to see what we did right and what we did wrong, in terms of strategy and we need to learn from that. We are trying to improve our pit stops still further and we have made some changes in that area. Hopefully we can gain another couple of tenths off our pit stop time. On average, we were consistently the best in this area last year, but you cannot afford to stand still, otherwise you find yourself dropping behind: we need to catch up to the level of teams that were quicker in pure speed terms even if they had more problems at their pit stops. We could say we were lucky at times last year on the reliability front, but you make your own luck and it reflects on the amount of work done back here at the factory: we must continue to work to be as good or even better on this front this year.” <br /> <br /> So, is Fry pleased with the F138? The answer is long and considered: “In the last eighteen months to two years we have made major changes to our methodology and we are partway through a process and I am pleased with the progress we have made so far. But for me, our progress can never be quick enough and I feel we still have quite a lot to do to improve. I am never going to be happy unless we arrive in Melbourne and prove to have the quickest car. In terms of the launch car, we have done a good job on the mechanical installation and the design, we have hit all our stiffness targets and saved a lot of weight. However, we cannot hide the fact that, aerodynamically, the launch car is a long way behind where we are in the wind tunnel today. We will have a better idea of what our true performance level is come the third test but I’m not going to be happy until we are clearly quickest.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130201-luca-marmorini-head-of-engine-and-electronics-we-worked-mainly-on-improving-reliability.aspxMaranello, 1 February - The Formula 1 regulations have frozen engine development for several years now, but this has not stopped the specialist engineers from using all their ingenuity to continue improving the internal combustion enginesF1 NewsFri, 01 Feb 2013 10:40:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,f138,february 2013,2013,marmorini/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130201_Marmorini_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130201_Marmorini_260x200.jpgMaranello, 1 February - The Formula 1 regulations have frozen engine development for several years now, but this has not stopped the specialist engineers from using all their ingenuity to continue improving the internal combustion engines that power the Grands Prix cars. And that is the case, even as Formula 1 embarks on its eighth and final season in which all cars must use the V8 configuration. <br /> <br /> “We are not allowed to make direct modifications to the engine in terms of performance, so we worked mainly on improving our reliability when it came to the engine that will power the F138,” states Scuderia Ferrari’s Head of Engine and Electronics, Luca Marmorini. “Already, thanks to analysis in winter testing last year, we improved our reliability for 2012 and were also able to reduce costs. For this year, the engine has been modified in the area where it connects to the chassis and gearbox in order to make the engine work better as a component of the car as a whole. We do look at performance, but that is mainly by focussing on fuel development with our friends at Shell. We also consider the lubricants and in this area, our prime concern is reducing the drop in performance which all Formula 1 engines will experience during their life. Our target is to provide our drivers with an engine that keeps its performance level the same from the first race to the third, as with the current rules, most engines have a cycle of three races.” <br /> <br /> When it comes to the electronics required to control the engines, there are no major changes in the regulations for this season, however here again, Marmorini and his crew found areas that could be improved. “Our main aim here was to reduce the weight of the electronic systems in the car, which involved adopting innovative solutions,” explains Marmorini. “However, there is one important new element for this season: for the first time we will use the TAG 320 standard electronic system that will form the basis of the one that everyone will use in 2014. Use of this new ECU (electronic control unit) has also meant developing new software and testing it, as well as developing specific new programming tools.” <br /> <br /> The fact that the big 2014 changes are just around the corner has also influenced work on the kinetic energy recovery system. “On the KERS front, we believe the one we first developed for 2009 is the one best suited to Formula 1, in that it is compact, with the components grouped together centrally under the fuel cell,” maintains Marmorini. “For 2013, we have succeeded in decreasing both the weight and the volume. That in turn involved improving the efficiency of the system, which is an important step when we look ahead to the 2014 regulations, when the system will have to perform for much longer. This meant finding a way to decrease the drop off in performance, particularly as far as the batteries are concerned. <br /> <br /> “The challenge of the major rule change for 2014 is proving to be very interesting and we believe there will be a significant carry-over because of these regulations, from Formula 1 to our GT car production. It’s a big job, much more than just designing a new engine and a turbo compressor: it involves a new system, a new way of thinking, new tools to test it and in order to do this we are upgrading our manpower and our infrastructure. There has been plenty of time to come up with ideas and hypotheses but now it’s time to finalise the plans for what will drive our cars next year.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130201-f138-technical-specs.aspxMaranello, 1 February - The F138 is the fifty ninth car built by Ferrari specifically to take part in the Formula 1 World Championship.F1 NewsFri, 01 Feb 2013 10:30:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,f138,february 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130201_130005_f138_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130201_130005_f138_260x200.jpgMaranello, 1 February - The F138 is the fifty ninth car built by Ferrari specifically to take part in the Formula 1 World Championship. The name comes from a combination of the current year and the number of cylinders, to mark the fact that this is the eighth and final year of competition for the V8 engine configuration.<br /> <br /> The project, which goes by the internal code name 664, is the first design to come from the reorganisation concerning working methods that has been in operation for several months, with the creation of two distinct groups of designers: one working on this car and the other on the completely different car which will race next season. This car constitutes the Scuderia’s interpretation of this year’s Technical and Sporting Regulations, which in fact are substantially the same as those from last season. Therefore the F138 can be seen as an evolution of the F2012, in terms of its basic design principals, although every single part has been revised in order to maximise performance, while maintaining all the characteristics which were the basis of last season’s extraordinary reliability.<br /> <br /> The design philosophy of the suspension layout has not changed and it continues to use pull-rods both front and rear, but it has been refined to the limit, in order to gain as much aerodynamic advantage as possible, especially at the rear. The bodywork elements have been redesigned to allow for changes to the positioning and layout of the exhausts. The dynamic air intake, mounted above the cockpit has been redesigned, as have been the intakes to the side pods, which in turn have also been optimised in aerodynamic terms, while maintaining unchanged the overall cooling system. <br /> <br /> The rear of the car is much narrower and more tapered on the lower part. The configuration of the front and rear wings derives directly from the last versions used on the F2012, partly because development of that car ran all the way to the final race of last season. However, the aerodynamic elements shown on the car are only those from the initial phase of development: significant modifications will be introduced in the weeks leading up to the first race and a busy development programme is already planned. The drag reduction system on the rear wing has been revised and optimised to make the most of the modifications to the Sporting Regulations that come into play this year. There are detailed changes to the design of the brake ducts, both front and rear and work has been carried out with Brembo on optimising the braking system overall. During both the design and production stages, great attention has been paid to weight reduction and on increasing rigidity. This theme was carried out through all departments working together – Chassis, Engine and Electronics and Production – which bears witness to the importance of being able to design and build a car with everyone working side by side in the same place, which has always been the case at Ferrari. <br /> <br /> The engine on the F138 is an evolution of the one fitted to the car last year, inevitably given that the technical regulations forbid modifications to internal components aimed at improving performance. Given the consequent difficulty of finding performance increases through internal modifications, work was intensified on ensuring that the engine’s performance level remained as high as possible throughout the lifecycle of each power unit, which has now reached an average life of three races. <br /> <br /> The kinetic energy recovery system retains its location in the lower-central part of the car, a strategic choice which has always been adopted by the team, partly with the aim of ensuring maximum safety. Once again this year, a great deal of effort has gone into reducing its weight and size, at the same time improving the efficiency of some of its components and, as in the case of the engine, maintaining the highest performance level throughout the KERS usage cycle. The technical collaboration with Shell, which has run for several decades now, has led to further progress on the fuel and lubricants front, aimed at increasing performance in overall terms and also on maintaining it throughout the engine’s life, as well as reducing consumption. <br /> <br /> As for the electronics, it is worth noting the introduction, ahead of schedule, of the single control unit that will be used in 2014. This has involved a lot of work to integrate and control all its features in terms of both software and hardware. <br /> In keeping with a Ferrari tradition, much time has been dedicated to the performance and improvement of the materials used, at the design stage of each of the six thousand or so components which make up the car, in order to make all the on-track work more effective and efficient. Obviously, quality control remains a vital aspect, with the aim of achieving the highest levels of performance and reliability, at the same time as maintaining the highest safety standards possible.<br /> <br /> With only twelve days of testing available before the start of the Championship, the preparatory work on the test benches 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 allow the team to get to understand the behaviour of the F138 and to adapt it to the new Pirelli tyres: in fact, tyre use is an area that has seen a lot of work both at the design stage and in its management at the track. Also very important and something that will not only be restricted to the winter months, has been the effort invested in areas that could influence the result of a Grand Prix, such as the team’s pit stop work, reduction of time spent going through the pit lane, strategy management and the start procedure. <br /> <br /> <strong>TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION</strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Chassis</strong><br /> Carbon-fibre and honeycomb composite structure<br /> Ferrari longitudinal gearbox<br /> Limited-slip differential<br /> Semiautomatic sequential electronically <br /> Controlled gearbox – quick shift<br /> Number of gears <strong>7 +Reverse</strong><br /> Brembo ventilated carbon-fibre disc brakes<br /> Independent suspension, pull-rod activated torsion springs front and rear<br /> Weight with water, lubricant and driver <strong>642 kg</strong><br /> OZ Wheels (front and rear) <strong>13”</strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Engine</strong><br /> Type <strong>056</strong><br /> Number of cylinders <strong>8</strong><br /> Cylinder block in sand cast aluminium <strong>V 90°</strong><br /> Number of valves <strong>32</strong><br /> Pneumatic distribution<br /> Total displacement <strong>2398 cm3</strong><br /> Piston bore<strong> 98 mm</strong><br /> Weight <strong>&gt; 95 kg </strong><br /> Electronic injection and ignition<br /> Fuel <strong>Shell V-Power </strong><br /> Lubricant <strong>Shell Helix Ultra</strong><br />http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130131-the-scuderia-strengthens-its-position-with-hublot-kaspersky-and-tnt-domenicali-a-significant-achievement.aspxMaranello, 31 January –At a key time for Formula 1 and when the global economic picture is very difficult, Ferrari is still right on target on the commercial front. F1 NewsThu, 31 Jan 2013 15:50:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,january 2013,2013,sponsor,domenicali/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130116_domenicali_wrooom_1300024_eve_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130116_domenicali_wrooom_1300024_eve_260x200.jpgMaranello, 31 January –At a key time for Formula 1 and when the global economic picture is very difficult, Ferrari is still right on target on the commercial front. This morning, it announced the arrival of its first Chinese sponsor, Weichai Power, which is part of the Weichai Group, a top one hundred company in China, with a presence in Europe, North America and South East Asia: it will be a Scuderia partner for at least four years. <br /> <br /> The news on the commercial front does not stop there however. Hublot, which since last year has been the Official Timekeeper and Watch Supplier to Ferrari, has strengthened its ties by becoming an Official Sponsor of the Scuderia. The relationship between these two prestigious marques is extended both in terms of time – the agreement now goes on for longer – and in terms of reach, as it will cover the whole range of the Maranello company’s activities, including the Ferrari Challenge, which it has sponsored since 2012. <br /> <br /> Another partner strengthening its relationship with the Scuderia is Kaspersky Lab. The Russian company, a European leader in the field of anti-virus solutions and one of the main suppliers globally in the area of IT security for the end-user, is consolidating the presence of its branding with the team and, at the same time, increasing the level of technical collaboration with the company. Finally, it should be noted that TNT has also moved on from being an Official Supplier to be a Sponsor of the Scuderia: the energy drink’s logo has already been seen on the cars at last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix. <br /> <br /> “China, Russia and Brazil: I think we can legitimately claim with satisfaction to have bucked the current trend in sponsorship, not only as regards Formula 1, but also when looking at sport in general,” Stefano Domenicali told www.ferrari.com. “These are significant achievements, which alongside the vital support of our long time partners such as Philip Morris and Shell and more recent ones like Santander, strengthen our position going into what will be a very demanding season, from every point of view.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130131-weichai-power-new-sponsor.aspxMaranello, 31 January - Scuderia Ferrari announces that it has reached a sponsorship agreement with Weichai Power, one of China’s leading manufacturer of heavy powertrain system and machinery vehicles.F1 NewsThu, 31 Jan 2013 10:15:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,january 2013,2013,sponsor/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130128_Weichai_sponsor_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130128_Weichai_sponsor_260x200.jpgMaranello, 31 January - Scuderia Ferrari announces that it has reached a sponsorship agreement with Weichai Power, one of China’s leading manufacturer of heavy powertrain system and machinery vehicles. The agreement will last four years and will expire at the end of the 2016 sporting season. <br /> <br /> Weichai Power, part of the Weichai Group, is the first Scuderia sponsor to come from China, where Ferrari has had a presence for over twenty years and which has become one of the main markets for Prancing Horse road cars.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130130-to-be-called-F138.aspxMaranello, 30 January – The new Ferrari Formula 1 car which is being launched the day after tomorrow in a marquee inside the Maranello facility, will be called F138. F1 NewsWed, 30 Jan 2013 11:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,f138,january 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130130_f138_logo_260x200_OK_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130130_f138_logo_260x200_OK.jpgMaranello, 30 January – The new Ferrari Formula 1 car which is being launched the day after tomorrow in a marquee inside the Maranello facility, will be called <a href="http://singleseater2013.ferrari.com/en/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>F138</strong></span></a>. The name of the fifty ninth car built by Ferrari to compete at the highest level of motor sport derives from a combination of the current year and the number of cylinders, partly to mark the fact that this will be the last year that the V8 engine configuration will be used in Formula 1, bringing to an end what will be an eight year career. With its fifty eight previous cars, the Scuderia is the only team to have taken part in every year of the championship and holds all the records in terms of titles won (31: 15 Drivers’ and 16 Constructors’,) Grand Prix wins (219,) pole positions (207) and fastest race laps (228.)http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130130-a-visit-worth-its-weight-in-gold.aspxMaranello, 30 January – It was a surprise for everyone to see Alex Zanardi turn up at the Gestione Sportiva building, when the former car racing champion came to Maranello to see his friend Stefano Domenicali.F1 NewsWed, 30 Jan 2013 10:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,zanardi,domenicali,january 2013,2013http://www.ferrari.com/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130130_zanardi_130018_new_260x200_130x86.jpghttp://www.ferrari.com/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130130_zanardi_130018_new_260x200.jpgMaranello, 30 January – It was a surprise for everyone to see Alex Zanardi turn up at the Gestione Sportiva building, when the former car racing champion came to Maranello to see his friend Stefano Domenicali. Along with the Scuderia Ferrari team principal, Alex visited the departments where the car that will take part in this year’s Formula 1 World Championship is taking shape. Last year, he became an iconic symbol for the London 2012 Paralympics, taking gold in the individual H4 (hand bike) time trial and the individual H4 road race and was part of the team that took silver in the H1-4 Team Relay. The mechanics, busy with the final, delicate stages of assembling the car, gave him a very warm welcome, before posing together for photos. <br /> <br /> “It was a very exciting evening for me!” said Alex, talking to www.ferrari.com. “The thing that struck me the most when I went into the department where the new car was being built, was the smell, the same I used to smell when I went to the Chip Ganassi team headquarters in America. There too the car was red, but it definitely wasn’t a Ferrari! I know many of the guys who work at the Scuderia from a long time ago, but this was my first time in Maranello and it was a great experience. Finally, I can claim to have got my hands on a Red car! It’s true that these days, the top teams are pretty big, just like a real average-sized company, but at Ferrari, I could see there was still that passion for the job that only comes with a love of racing. Then, thinking back to how nice was the tortellini and cold cuts of meat, you can imagine what a great evening it was, without any regrets about breaking the rules regarding my diet…”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130128-de-la-rosa-s-premier-as-a-ferrari-man.aspxMadrid, 28 January – Today was Pedro de la Rosa’s first appearance as a Ferrari man, when, along with the head of the FDA, Luca Baldisserri, he attended the fourth edition of the “Beca Santander Jovenes Promesas” ceremonyF1 NewsMon, 28 Jan 2013 20:00:00 GMTde la rosa,baldisserri,alonso,massa,fda,january 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130128_delarosa_130017_new_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130128_delarosa_130017_new_260x200.jpgMadrid, 28 January – Today was Pedro de la Rosa’s first appearance as a Ferrari man, when, along with the head of the FDA, Luca Baldisserri, he attended the fourth edition of the “Beca Santander Jovenes Promesas” ceremony, organised by one of Scuderia Ferrari’s most important sponsors. With a broad smile on his face and a Ferrari fleece on his back, the Spaniard dealt with questions from the press at the event, who were very interested in his first impressions of his new role. “I am proud and very happy, mainly because Ferrari is more than just a Formula 1 team,” said Pedro. “I’m starting a new phase of my life: for a driver it’s important to work with the big teams, especially because you can learn from the best engineers and professionals in this sport. I am proud that Ferrari had faith in me, especially as it means I will be able to help a Spanish champion, in the shape of Fernando Alonso.” <br /> <br /> It’s less than two weeks since the announcement, but De la Rosa has already been able to experience the intense pressure that reigns in Maranello. “It’s logical, because it’s a team that is used to winning,” commented the Catalan driver. “In Formula 1, whether it comes from below or from elsewhere, pressure is total, but definitely, I immediately saw that, at Ferrari, winning is the only thing that matters. Every time I go to Maranello there is something to learn and it’s a continual experience. Even if I cannot say much, because I have only known Ferrari for a short time, I can say that, at least once in your life, you have to go to Maranello. I’m not talking about the factory, but rather the city: it’s there that you start to understand the difference between a team like Ferrari and all the others, because you already feel as though you are pretty much within the company. Every restaurant, bar or person on the street has something red: it’s really impressive! <br /> <br /> Pedro will make his debut at the wheel of the Prancing Horse’s new car on 8th February at Jerez, when he will take over the wheel from team-mate Felipe Massa, who is driving for the first three days of the session. For De la Rosa this is the best way possible to be of immediate use to the team. “I’ve seen the new car in the factory, as it is being prepared for the first test,” he explained. “I am very happy to be able to test it and honestly I had not expected that. It’s a unique opportunity to begin to understand how the car works and how I can help with the work in the simulator.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130128-fda-santander-supports-the-future.aspxMadrid, 28 January – The Santander Bank continues its unstinting efforts to promote young Spanish motor sport talent. Today at the group’s Financial City in Madrid, it hosted the fourth Beca Santander Jovenes Promesas awards.F1 NewsMon, 28 Jan 2013 15:00:00 GMTfda,santander,de la rosa,scuderia ferrari,january 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130128_130002fda_santander_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130128_130002fda_santander_260x200.jpgMadrid, 28 January – The Santander Bank continues its unstinting efforts to promote young Spanish motor sport talent. Today at the group’s Financial City in Madrid, it hosted the fourth Beca Santander Jovenes Promesas awards. <br /> <br /> Handing out the prizes to the winners of the various Spanish Karting categories was Pedro de la Rosa, along with fellow jury members Enrique Garcia Candelas, the Managing Director and head of the Santander Bank’s Banca Comercial Espana and Carlos Gracia, the President of the Royal Spanish Motoring Federation. <br /> <br /> De la Rosa, who was making his first public appearance in his new role as a test driver for Scuderia Ferrari, expressed the pride he felt in wearing the colours of the Maranello team and talked about the values that guided his career as a racing driver, from his early days to his current role. Alongside the Catalan driver, to explain the fundamental aspects of preparation for a driver in the modern age, was Luca Baldisserri, head of the Ferrari Driver Academy, the initiative aimed at helping talented youngsters from around the world, with the aim of preparing them for an eventual future in Formula 1. <br /> <br /> The main themes of the interview meeting, which took place before the prize giving, included learning about driving technique, the importance of relationships with the team, as well as diet and physical and mental fitness. The winner, 15 year old Catalan, Alex Palou received a study grant of 30,000 Euros, as well as the opportunity to have a test with the Ferrari Driver Academy at the Fiorano Circuit.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130124-massa-to-debut-new-ferrari.aspxMaranello, 24 January – It will fall to Felipe Massa to give the car that Ferrari will use in this year’s Formula 1 World Championship its track debut.F1 NewsThu, 24 Jan 2013 17:50:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,massa,january 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130124_130016_new_delarosa_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130124_130016_new_delarosa_260x200.jpgMaranello, 24 January – It will fall to Felipe Massa to give the car that Ferrari will use in this year’s Formula 1 World Championship its track debut. The Brazilian will begin work on development of the new car, starting on 5 February at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit, which hosts the first of three test sessions of four days duration each, to be held in the run-up to the start of the season. Felipe will stay on track until 7 February before handing over to Pedro De La Rosa, who will thus make his debut at the wheel of a Ferrari. <br /> <br /> In the meantime and throughout all the first part of February, Fernando Alonso will intensify his physical training, in preparation for a first part of the season which, as usual will be very demanding, both because of the long distances involved between the various Grands Prix and because of the variety of weather conditions encountered from Melbourne to Sakhir, with Sepang and Shanghai in between. Fernando will get behind the wheel of the fourth car of his Ferrari career for the first time on 19 February at Montmelo’s Catalunya circuit. The Spaniard will drive for three days before handing over to team-mate Massa. The final test session, also at Montmelo from 28 February to 3 March will see Felipe and Fernando take turns on track: Thursday and Saturday for the Brazilian, Friday and Sunday for the Spaniard. This means the breakdown of test days for the Ferrari men is as follows: Massa six days, Alonso five and De La Rosa one. <br /> <br /> In fact, Pedro is in Maranello today for a seat fitting to fine tune his position in the cockpit of the new car. He has had a series of meetings with the Scuderia engineers to define his programme on the simulator, which will constitute the major part of his role as test driver. This means that his day on track on 8 February will be very important, as it will allow both the team and the driver to work specifically on looking at the correlation between the virtual and the real experience. The work of assembling the new car goes on: yesterday the engine was fired up for the first time.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130123-for-the-fda-a-challenge-that-knows-no-boundaries.aspxMaranello, 23 January – In 2012, with the aim of promoting young motor racing talent on an international level, Maranello’s Ferrari Driver Academy supported the Panam GP SeriesF1 NewsWed, 23 Jan 2013 10:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,fda,january 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130123_130001fda_fda_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130123_130001fda_fda_260x200.jpgMaranello, 23 January – In 2012, with the aim of promoting young motor racing talent on an international level, Maranello’s Ferrari Driver Academy supported the Panam GP Series, a South American championship run over seven rounds, held in Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Chile. Handing out the prizes, for this the most important motor sport series in this part of the world, was Luca Baldisserri, the head of the FDA. Baldisserri flew to Panama last weekend to take part in a conference to launch the 2013 series, along with Jose Abed, the President of the FIA NACAM and World Vice-President of the FIA, where he met the young winners from the series, from Ecuador Sebastian Merchan, the Mexican Gerardo Nieto and, from Costa Rica, Veronica Valverde, the first girl to be selected for an FDA course. What she can expect in Maranello, along with her two other colleagues is a week of physical and psychological tests at the simulator and at the Fiorano track. Also supported by the academy is a Winter Series organised by Panamco and Alfonso Toledano, using the Tatuus Formula Abarth single-seaters. The first round takes place in the United States, at Miami’s Homestead circuit over the weekend of 24 February, with a second round at Palm Beach’s Moroso track, again in Florida over the weekend of 3 March. Also taking part in both events will be the latest youngster to come on board at the FDA, Antonio Fuoco. The 2013 Championship will take place on 7 April, again at Homestead.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/fan/Pages/new-single-seater-updates.aspxAggiornamenti Nuova MonopostoF1 NewsTue, 22 Jan 2013 09:49:00 GMT/Site_Collection_Images_Varie/130122_nss_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Images_Varie/130122_nss.jpgAggiornamenti Nuova Monopostohttp://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130121-massa-s-first-day-back-at-school-in-2013.aspxMaranello, 21 January – He hadn’t been at Maranello for just over a month, when he was there for the Christmas festivities with the Ferrari staff and their families.F1 NewsMon, 21 Jan 2013 19:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,massa,alonso,fisichella,gené,badoer,2013,january 2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130121_massa_1300008_eve_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130121_massa_1300008_eve_260x200.jpgMaranello, 21 January – He hadn’t been at Maranello for just over a month, when he was there for the Christmas festivities with the Ferrari staff and their families. Apart from the snow, which is still hanging around after it fell over the past few days and the building site of the new Scuderia headquarters which is taking shape, nothing much has changed here for Felipe Massa, now truly a veteran with the Scuderia. <br /> <br /> Hot on the heels of the week of Wrooom and the footballing interlude yesterday afternoon at the San Siro, the Brazilian met up with all his engineers to get up to speed on the development of the new car and he was able to have a seat fitting on the first chassis, currently being built up in the Car Assembly area. <br /> <br /> The day ended with the first <a href="/english/formula1/fan/chat/Pages/130121-live-chat-with-insideferrari-from-maranello.aspx"><b><span style="color:#000000;text-decoration:underline">video-chat</span></b></a> of the year with the fans on the Prancing Horse site (www.ferrari.com.) The questions lasted forty minutes and came from all over the globe with a whole host of questions for this virtual meeting. Felipe tackled all sorts of topics, both personal and professional. Asked what the fans could do for the team, the Brazilian replied that supporters of the Reds already did more than expected and there was absolutely nothing else he could ask them for. Quizzed about the first half of last season, Felipe explained it was a period he had been able to put behind him thanks to the support of the whole team, who had always believed in him and of his family which helped him conclude that everyone goes through difficult times, but that one must never lose one’s self-belief. Massa said there was nothing about his career he would change, because even if he has yet to manage to win the World Championship title, he has won a lot of races and has experienced things that, for better or for worse, have made him happy about everything he has done to date. Impossible to speculate on the outcome of the February tests, although they are definitely important when it comes to being well prepared for the first race, without attaching too much importance to how quick the car might be in these tests, because Formula 1 is a sport where thing can change very quickly. On the topic of social networks, Felipe said he was keen on them, as a means to let people know more about him, without going too far though, outside of the working environment. Indeed, Massa was keen to give an insight, on the network, about the time he spent on the slopes of Madonna di Campiglio, at the Philip Morris Press Ski Meeting, Wrooom, along with his team-mate Fernando Alonso and the rest of the Ferrari crew of Giancarlo Fisichella, Marc Gene and Luca Badoer, showing that with friends and colleagues, he is a guy like any other who enjoys a laugh and a joke. Felipe has not yet given any thought to what he will do when his time in Formula 1 comes to an end, but will do so when he stops, because for now he still wants to race and to do that requires 100% concentration. Then he will see, certainly something involving engines, which are his great passion. Physical preparation is important in the time between the end of one championship and the start of the next, involving training hard every day and in this, Felipe is lucky as he really loves sport: after Formula 1 comes football, tennis and skiing, apart from the fact that he belongs to a team for whom he gives and always will give, his maximum effort.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/fan/chat/Pages/130121-live-chat-with-insideferrari-from-maranello.aspxFerrari.com’s Scuderia Ferrari Community-dedicated activities continue to go from strength to strength. Our first online chat of 2013, for instance, featured Felipe Massa. F1 NewsMon, 21 Jan 2013 18:10:00 GMTinsideferrari,events/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130121_massa_1300008_eve_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130121_massa_1300008_eve_260x200.jpgFerrari.com’s Scuderia Ferrari Community-dedicated activities continue to go from strength to strength. Our first online chat of 2013, for instance, featured Felipe Massa. The Brazilian driver answered fans’ questions from Maranello during the live chat which started at 17.30 Monday January 21st. <br /> <br /> Our live chats allow Scuderia Ferrari Community members to establish an even closer bond with the team as the season progresses. If you haven’t joined the Scuderia Ferrari Community yet, you can sign up now and chat online directly with the team!http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/racing_news/Pages/130119-scuderia-ferrari-racing-news-n-1.aspxScuderia Ferrari Racing News is back in the snow of Madonna di Campiglio for this season’s first edition in the heart of the Dolomites wit the 23rd edition of Wrooom.F1 NewsSat, 19 Jan 2013 18:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari racing news 2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130119_sfrn1_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130119_sfrn1_260x200.jpgScuderia Ferrari Racing News is back in the snow of Madonna di Campiglio for this season’s first edition in the heart of the Dolomites wit the 23rd edition of Wrooom. Let’s relive the Philip Morris International Press Ski Meeting with images and statements from the main players from the Scuderia Ferrari and the Ducati Team during a week of sport, work and show.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130118-wrooom-2013-scuderia-ferrari-reigns-on-the-ice.aspxMadonna di Campiglio, 18 January – The sky lit up with fireworks to salute the double win for Fernando Alonso on the ice lake at Campiglio at the end of a go-kart race between the Scuderia Ferrari...F1 NewsFri, 18 Jan 2013 19:00:00 GMTwrooom 2013,madonna di campiglio,press ski meeting,philip morris international,january 2013,2013,alonso,massa/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130118_wrooom_kart_1300069_eve_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130118_wrooom_kart_1300069_eve_260x200.jpgMadonna di Campiglio, 18 January – The sky lit up with fireworks to salute the double win for Fernando Alonso on the ice lake at Campiglio at the end of a go-kart race between the Scuderia Ferrari drivers and the Ducati Team riders. The event also featured the appearance of a Ferrari FF in the role of Safety Car. Starting alongside his team-mate Felipe Massa, Alonso soon found himself at the back of the pack after a spin, but he fought his way up through the field to take the win in the first leg. He won the second leg too, in a race where the grid was based on the reverse order of the previous race result. It took the Spaniard just a handful of laps to work his way up into the lead, thus finishing first overall, ahead of Massa and Giancarlo Fisichella.<br /> <br /> Earlier in the day, the Ferrari men took part in the traditional ski race, where winner in the drivers’ category was Giancarlo Fisichella who finished ahead of Felipe and Dudu Massa. The curtain came down on another unforgettable Wrooom event with a farewell party.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130118-wrooom-2013-the-cold-gives-you-wings.aspxMadonna di Campiglio, 18 January - The evening spent in the Chalet Fiat at Madonna di Campiglio last night will be hard to forget and was one of the more spectacular moments of this Wrooom weekF1 NewsFri, 18 Jan 2013 11:15:00 GMTwrooom 2013,madonna di campiglio,press ski meeting,philip morris international,gennaio 2013,2013,alonso/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130118_1300051_eve_ali_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130118_1300051_eve_ali_260x200.jpgMadonna di Campiglio, 18 January - The evening spent in the Chalet Fiat at Madonna di Campiglio last night will be hard to forget and was one of the more spectacular moments of this Wrooom week. Fernando Alonso and Ducati’s Nicky Hayden put on an impromptu show with some help from Brasil, one of Felipe Massa’s friends from Sao Paolo, featuring feathered wings and special effects in a short but exhilarating performance. Today is the final day of this Philip Morris International Press Ski Meeting and will feature a ski race and later a kart race on the frozen lake between the Scuderia Ferrari drivers and Ducati Team riders.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130117-wrooom-2013-meeting-the-fans-in-the-piazza.aspxMadonna di Campiglio, 17 January - Thursday in Madonna di Campiglio ended for Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa with a meeting with the fans in the Piazza SissiF1 NewsThu, 17 Jan 2013 18:50:00 GMTwrooom 2013,madonna di campiglio,press ski meeting,philip morris international,alonso,massa,january 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130117_alo_mas_1300047_eve_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130117_alo_mas_1300047_eve_260x200.jpgMadonna di Campiglio, 17 January - Thursday in Madonna di Campiglio ended for Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa with a meeting with the fans in the Piazza Sissi, after the usual press conference and turn on the ski slopes. The venue is named after the Empress Elizabeth of Austria, who holidayed in the Trentino region in 1889 and 1894 and here, the Scuderia Drivers saluted the crowd and answered questions from the fans. In the words of the commentator, it seems that tomorrow, as the curtain comes down on the twenty third edition of Wrooom, will be another busy day: a ski race is on the agenda for the reds in the morning then a karting match against colleagues from the Ducati Team, which will be held on the frozen lake. Joining our race drivers will be Marc Gene, Giancarlo Fisichella and Luca Badoer, the latter famous as a Scuderia test driver and now involved in the development of the GT cars.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130117-wrooom-2013-massa-and-alonso-launch-a-piste-for-the-azzurri-di-madonna-di-campiglio.aspxMadonna di Campiglio, 17 January –For two drivers, a super steep piste featuring climbs and drops: finding oneself on a downhill run with a maximum gradient of 69% at the wheel of a Formula 1 car might not be too much of a problemF1 NewsThu, 17 Jan 2013 17:00:00 GMTwrooom 2013,madonna di campiglio,press ski meeting,philip morris international,january 2013,2013,alonso,massa/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130117_1300042_eve_alonso-massa_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130117_1300042_eve_alonso-massa_260x200.jpgMadonna di Campiglio, 17 January –For two drivers, a super steep piste featuring climbs and drops: finding oneself on a downhill run with a maximum gradient of 69% at the wheel of a Formula 1 car might not be too much of a problem. But with skis fitted it’s a whole other story and, despite the fact that Massa and Alonso are both old hands at Wrooom, tackling the new “Pancugolo” piste would be really demanding. The two Ferrari drivers therefore decided to launch the new piste, for the Madonna di Campiglio Atleti Azzurri, with their usual work equipment, namely a Prancing Horse Formula 1 car. An F2012 was brought to the top of the new run, which is 400 metres in length, with an average gradient of 35% and a maximum as mentioned above, followed by a second run of medium difficulty which joins up with the Canalone Miramonti. Together, this creates, in the area known as the Cinque Laghi, a 1700 metre piste, which is to the homologated standard for the Super Giant World Cup. Along with the car they used for the 2012 World Championship, Felipe and Fernando thus cut an imaginary ribbon to officially launch to the world a track that is technically very demanding and located in a truly beautiful setting.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130117-wrooom-2013-alonso-fewer-races-more-testing.aspxMadonna di Campiglio, 17 January – A twenty race season is very long for everyone, as Fernando Alonso pointed out today. “Last year we had the last Grand Prix at the end of November and almost right up to ChristmasF1 NewsThu, 17 Jan 2013 16:15:00 GMTwrooom 2013,madonna di campiglio,press ski meeting,philip morris international,january 2013,2013,alonso/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130117_1300041_eve_alonso_menogare_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130117_1300041_eve_alonso_menogare_260x200.jpgMadonna di Campiglio, 17 January – A twenty race season is very long for everyone, as Fernando Alonso pointed out today. “Last year we had the last Grand Prix at the end of November and almost right up to Christmas, there were events I had to take part in. There’s almost only the end of year holiday when one can have a break and I’ll try to fit in a few more days between now and Melbourne to recharge my batteries. Twenty races is a lot and it’s not easy to maintain a maximum performance level, both physical and mental, for the whole year. Maybe it would be better to have one or two fewer races and a few more test sessions.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130117-wrooom-2013-fernando-s-twitter-savvy.aspxFernando Alonso has always jealously guarded his privacy, but social networks, especially Twitter, have given him a means of defending himself and counter-attacking those who want to invade his privacy.F1 NewsThu, 17 Jan 2013 15:05:00 GMTwrooom 2013,madonna di campiglio,press ski meeting,philip morris international,january 2013,2013,alonso/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130117_alonso_1300028_eve_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130117_alonso_1300028_eve_260x200.jpgFernando Alonso has always jealously guarded his privacy, but social networks, especially Twitter, have given him a means of defending himself and counter-attacking those who want to invade his privacy. “Since I started using Twitter, I am the one who says what I am doing,” explained the man from Oviedo. “Before, it could be said that I was spending my holiday with elephants or that I was having dinner with Obama, but now for example, I can be the one to say that I was in Italy, skiing on New Year’s day before going to Russia and from there to Brazil to take part in the kart race organised by Felipe. Tweeting means I can be in direct contact with my fans, to help them discover aspects of my job that they would never get to know otherwise. Of course, I can’t say everything because in Formula 1, a lot of information has to remain confidential, but I think it is still a fun and useful tool.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130117-wrooom-2013-alonso-not-getting-involved-in-politics.aspxMadonna di Campiglio, 17 January –Alonso, politics and rivals: a lot has been said about this triumvirate during 2012 and someone – over the other side of the Alps – has felt...F1 NewsThu, 17 Jan 2013 15:00:00 GMTwrooom 2013,madonna di campiglio,press ski meeting,philip morris international,january 2013,2013,alonso/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130117_alonso_1300033_eve_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130117_alonso_1300033_eve_260x200.jpgMadonna di Campiglio, 17 January –Alonso, politics and rivals: a lot has been said about this triumvirate during 2012 and someone – over the other side of the Alps – has felt the need to kick off 2013 on the same note. Clearly, the media who do their job and usually enjoy these verbal skirmishes, made the most of the situation, repackaging some of these now classic questions for Fernando. The Spaniard did not want to get caught up in a war of words and replied with wit. “I don’t think I am good at politics, I just drive the car. Some recent remarks have surprised me, but I can’t see the sense in them. Some say they don’t read them, don’t hear them and don’t see them, before adding that they are not influenced by them: so clearly they do read them, maybe at night…Why do I say Hamilton is the strongest? Because it’s what I think, it’s my personal opinion and there is nothing political in that. Lewis has always won races ever since he has been in Formula 1, even in years like 2009, when he had started the season with a car that was two seconds off the quickest. When you look at what happens on track, you are well aware of what he is doing, that’s a fact. Last year, Rosberg won in China, therefore I expect that this year, Lewis in a Mercedes can win more than one race.” <br /> <br /> “I did not say that Vettel was not the strongest or that he did not deserve his three titles,” continued Fernando. “There have been periods, like in 2011, when his performance level was fantastic and he was definitely the best. As of today, it’s impossible to say who will be our strongest rivals in 2013. Who will have the best car, who will have done the best job of preparation and had the best development, who will be the luckiest: there are so many factors which go to make the strongest combination of driver and team.” <br /> <br /> On the technical front, I think that this year, the key will again be the management of the exhausts,” said Fernando, on the topic of 2013. “It’s true it’s not as important as two years ago, but we saw last year that it still played a significant role and that everyone worked on it a great deal. The tyres are not as critical, unless there is a specific problem, as for example we had with the hardest compound in 2011: they are the same for all the teams and, if they are within the mean point, they won’t make the difference, neither for the better nor for the worse.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130117-wrooom-2013-massa-with-fernando-we-work-as-a-team.aspxMadonna di Campiglio, 17 January –Every year, the level of competition in Formula 1 increases and the stability in the regulations makes it more of a challenge for the teams.F1 NewsThu, 17 Jan 2013 14:00:00 GMTwrooom 2013,madonna di campiglio,press ski meeting,philip morris international,january 2013,2013,massa/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130117_1300025_eve_massa_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130117_1300025_eve_massa_260x200.jpgMadonna di Campiglio, 17 January –Every year, the level of competition in Formula 1 increases and the stability in the regulations makes it more of a challenge for the teams. The hierarchy is determined by the unity and harmony of those involved, in every area, including the drivers. It’s something Felipe Massa has been well aware of throughout his career. In 2012, like never before he got plenty of opportunities to demonstrate his spirit as a team player, there for the good of the team. This aspect is certainly a cornerstone for all teams, but it’s the form and the performance he showed in 2008 that Felipe really wants to recapture in order to guaranteee, to himself as much as anyone, a consistency in terms of performance, if he is to have designs on the world title. <br /> <br /> “I can’t imagine a team not wanting two competitive drivers,” said Felipe. “We are fighting for two titles and I am sure the team will help me if it turns out that my situation was the same as the one that meant Fernando was a contender these past years. I remember when Kimi was my team-mate and how much we helped one another from one season to the next. It’s the same with Fernando, it’s team work, while the harmony between us is a help, as it would be in any job. In Australia we start over from zero and it will all depend on my ability and on the way the championship pans out. I hope to get off to the best possible start and my aim is always to carry the Brazilian flag onto the highest step of the podium. This year, I am the only Brazilian in Formula 1 and it was an emotional time on the podium in Interlagos last year, hearing the fans cheering my name: it’s a sign of the affection and closeness I feel from my country and that is fundamental for me.” <br /> <br /> Felipe ended the press conference with a few observations on the new Ferrari which will be unveiled on 1 February and on who might be his rivals in 2013. “We must wait and see the new car on track and right from the second test, we will have some indication, but it won’t be until Australia that we will know if we have done a good job. Vettel is definitely one of our main rivals, but McLaren also finished last year with a very quick car and the stability of the regulations means they too will be contenders. In any case, I am confident in my team and I am sure Ferrari will be in the hunt.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130117-wrooom-2013-massa-the-fire-still-burns-inside-me.aspxMadonna di Campiglio, 17 January –Felipe Massa has never lacked for determination and resolve. Clearly that is still the case this year, as could be seen at the second of today’s Scuderia Ferrari press conferences at the Wrooom eventF1 NewsThu, 17 Jan 2013 13:45:00 GMTwrooom 2013,madonna di campiglio,press ski meeting,philip morris international,january 2013,2013,massa/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130117_1300026_eve_massa_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130117_1300026_eve_massa_260x200.jpgMadonna di Campiglio, 17 January –Felipe Massa has never lacked for determination and resolve. Clearly that is still the case this year, as could be seen at the second of today’s Scuderia Ferrari press conferences at the Wrooom event, which the Brazilian has attended countless times now. The last few years may have been difficult for Felipe, but that all appears to be behind him. His approach and mental attitude are undoubtedly proof of that, but as Felipe himself affirms, the real results will be seen on the race track. <br /> <br /> “It’s always nice to start the year in Campiglio,” commented the Brazilian. “Skiing and seeing everyone smiling is a great prelude to the season and I hope it is also a good sign for a championship in which I want to be a contender. I consider what I did in the second half of last year as training for this season and I want to be 100% competitive! It was vital for me to change my approach, not so much in terms of understanding the car better or the tyres, but getting a better understanding of myself, believing in my ability, even when so many people said I’d lost it. I took to the track trying to find a sense of calm and especially trying to enjoy myself and that helped a lot in regaining my self-confidence. Today, I feel the fire still burns inside me and I know I can win and be competitive at the highest level, as I have done in the past in my career.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/120117-wrooom-2013-alonso-no-obligation-to-win.aspxMadonna di Campiglio, 17 January –Serious, focused, immediately on the case, Fernando Alonso made his debut media appearance of the season this morning at the twenty third edition of Wrooom.F1 NewsThu, 17 Jan 2013 13:00:00 GMTwrooom 2013,madonna di campiglio,press ski meeting,philip morris international,january 2013,2013,alonso/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130117_alonso_1300029_eve_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130117_alonso_1300029_eve_260x200.jpgMadonna di Campiglio, 17 January –Serious, focused, immediately on the case, Fernando Alonso made his debut media appearance of the season this morning at the twenty third edition of Wrooom. He gave the impression of already being totally preoccupied with the 2013 championship but, at the same time, showing that he did not feel under any additional pressure after the long fight for the 2012 title did not go his way. “I don’t think there is necessarily an obligation to win,” said the Spaniard. “Sport means sacrifice, work, enjoyment of what one does and for the past three years, I’ve been fortunate to be in the fight for important targets. There are 24 drivers in Formula 1 and few of them can say they have won races and usually finished on the podium. Since I’ve been at Ferrari, two out of three times I have come very close to being world champion, which is the target for me and for a team like ours and I hope I can now make that three times out of four. <br /> <br /> “I’m confident I can start the season with a better car than the one we had in the first few months of last year,” continued the champion from Oviedo. “It was actually in the early races that we lost decisive points, when we had a car that was only good enough for seventh, as was the case in China or ninth in Bahrain. The fact we are working with just one wind tunnel, the Toyota one in Cologne, could be a small advantage.” <br /> <br /> Fernando has always praised his current team-mate, whom he has been paired with for his first three years in red and today that was definitely still the case. “I have always said that Felipe was one of the best drivers around and I still remember that some people smiled when I said this last year,” said Fernando on the topic of his team-mate. “He and I have always helped one another, day by day and I expect him to always be very close to me in terms of performance: what was not not normal was the difference between us over the past two years, but now I don’t think that will be the case. That will be a very positive factor for me and especially for the team.” <br /> <br /> Fernando sees the arrival of De la Rosa as being a very positive thing. “When there are new arrivals in high level teams, it is always important,” he said. “Pedro will work mainly on the simulator, an area where we were not at the same level as the best and his experience will be useful. Having said that, it’s not the case that a new driver can change things or can do it in the simulator: there are and there will be further and more significant new arrivals that can make the team grow.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130116-wrooom-2013-domenicali-two-drivers-one-guarantee.aspxMadonna di Campiglio, 16 January –“Wrooom!” The Scuderia Ferrari race season got underway officially today with a Stefano Domenicali press conference. F1 NewsWed, 16 Jan 2013 16:00:00 GMTwrooom 2013,madonna di campiglio,press ski meeting,philip morris international,january 2013,2013,domenicali/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130116_domenicali_wrooom_1300024_eve_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130116_domenicali_wrooom_1300024_eve_260x200.jpgMadonna di Campiglio, 16 January –“Wrooom!” The Scuderia Ferrari race season got underway officially today with a Stefano Domenicali press conference. The meeting with media from across the globe, held in the Dolomite mountains, saw the Maranello Team Principal undergo a cross-examination featuring all the classic pre-season themes. Naturally, these included how things were looking for the two drivers, Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso and what was motivating them right now.<br /> <br /> “I think the toughest part of Felipe’s career is now behind him,” said Domenicali. “After last summer, his approach turned about and as a result, his performance on track changed and he managed to show just how talented he is. I’m sure his problem was not linked to his contractual situation. Personally, there was a lot of pressure on me regarding possible changes, but in the interests of the team, I preferred to wait and today, I’m convinced that keeping Felipe in the Ferrari family was the right decision. His performance in the second half of the season contributed significantly to our second place in the Constructors’ classification: for the team that is a strong point and for Fernando, it provides further impetus to try even harder.”<br /> <br /> “Fernando had an amazing season,” continued Domenicali – “and we’ve been saying that for three years now, while he continues to astonish everyone. His strength as a champion and his great fighting spirit is a guarantee for himself and for the team: our responsibility is to give him a car with which he can make the most of his abilities and his killer instinct. Could Vettel and Alonso one day be part of a dream team? I think our President has already commented on this subject several times: a dream team is fantastic if it is correctly managed, but at the moment we are not looking at that, because we want to ensure the team is as well balanced as possible. You have to be very careful, not just in Formula 1, but in sport in general, because sometimes, putting together all the Number Ones can lead to more negatives than positives.” <br /> <br /> Finally, in answer to questions relating to criticism aimed at Alonso in recent weeks, Domenicali had this to say: “As usual, there are people who try and stir up the politics, believing they will provoke a reaction, but I am deaf to these things and I believe Fernando is totally focused on his performance, while I can assure you that the team will give its answer on the track, with deeds not words.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/120116-wrooom-2013-domenicali-we-have-a-clear-aim-to-win.aspxMadonna di Campiglio, 16 January –2013 will hold plenty of challenges for Scuderia Ferrari and will be an important year in terms of tackling the significant changes to the Formula 1F1 NewsWed, 16 Jan 2013 14:00:00 GMTwrooom 2013,madonna di campiglio,press ski meeting,philip morris international,january 2013,2013,domenicali/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130116_domenicali_wrooom_1300020_eve_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130116_domenicali_wrooom_1300020_eve_260x200.jpgMadonna di Campiglio, 16 January –2013 will hold plenty of challenges for Scuderia Ferrari and will be an important year in terms of tackling the significant changes to the Formula 1 regulations that will come into effect in 2014. A transition year therefore? Absolutely not. Before Christmas, Team Principal Stefano Domenicali announced a reorganisation of various areas within the Scuderia, which had begun halfway through 2011, with the aim of ensuring the best possible balance between the design and development of the 2013 and 2014 cars. This involved two separate working groups to operate as effectively as possible on both the immediate and longer term future. The new approach has naturally attracted interest from the media, who attended today’s traditional press conference with which Domenicali officially got this new Ferrari season underway. “The 2013 season will be a complex one from many points of view,” said Domenicali. “We face a few changes on the technical front which will have a significant impact on all areas of the company, not just in terms of design, but also when it comes to the investment and infrastructure required to develop the new engine. Within the limits imposed by the regulations, we need to put every effort into reaching our objectives, while making the best use of the timescale in preparing for 2014. Our aim is clear, to win and the priority is still that of giving our drivers a car that will be competitive right from the very start. The development of the 2013 car began in the Cologne wind tunnel and is on-going. I certainly expect to see greater efficiency than last year because we will no longer need to carry out comparisons of data and correlation with the Maranello wind tunnel, which is currently being rebuilt and is due to be operational again after the summer break.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130116-wrooom-2013-de-la-rosa-comes-to-maranello.aspxMadonna di Campiglio, 16 January – There’s a new driver joining the Ferrari family. As from this year, Pedro Martinez De La Rosa will be on the Scuderia’s books for technical, racing and commercial activities. F1 NewsWed, 16 Jan 2013 12:40:00 GMTwrooom 2013,madonna di campiglio,press ski meeting,philip morris international,january 2013,2013,de la rosa,rigon,genè,bertolini,bianchi/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130116_130015_new_delarosa_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130116_130015_new_delarosa_260x200.jpgMadonna di Campiglio, 16 January – There’s a new driver joining the Ferrari family. As from this year, Pedro Martinez De La Rosa will be on the Scuderia’s books for technical, racing and commercial activities. The Spanish driver, born in Cardedeu on 24 February 1971, has taken part in 106 Grands Prix, racing for five different teams (Arrows, Jaguar, McLaren, Sauber and HRT,) with his best result being a second place in the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix. He has scored a total of 35 championship points. “We decided to add De La Rosa to our group of drivers mainly to strengthen one area, namely work in the simulator, which with the current regulations regarding testing, is becoming ever more important,” said Team Principal, Stefano Domenicali. “Pedro therefore joins a group of drivers that already includes Davide Rigon, Marc Gene, Andrea Bertolini and Jules Bianchi. Regarding the latter, who is also part of the FDA, we are currently trying to find him a role in Formula 1 and when we have some news, we will let you know.”<br /> “It is amazingly motivating to be working for a team like Ferrari, not just because of what it represents in the history of Formula 1 and motoring in general, but also because it will be a completely new and very stimulating experience for me,” said De La Rosa. “I really hope I can get to work as soon as possible and to help in the development of the car. I am happy to be collaborating with Fernando again and also to be working with Felipe. There’s not much time until Australia, but there is a lot to do and I am available to help the team from right now.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130116-wrooom-2013-the-countdown-begins-for-the-new-car-from-the-reds.aspxMadonna di Campiglio, 16 January – February 1st has been set as the date for the presentation of the car that will take part in the 2013 Formula 1 World Championship.F1 NewsWed, 16 Jan 2013 12:00:00 GMTwrooom 2013,madonna di campiglio,press ski meeting,philip morris international,january 2013,2013,domenicali/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130116_1300012_eve_domenicali_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130116_1300012_eve_domenicali_260x200.jpgMadonna di Campiglio, 16 January – February 1st has been set as the date for the presentation of the car that will take part in the 2013 Formula 1 World Championship. Scuderia Ferrari’s team principal, Stefano Domenicali announced the news to the media at the Wrooom event, during his press conference held this morning at the Conference Centre in Madonna di Campiglio, the magnificent setting for the Press Ski Meeting, organised by Philip Morris International. There are just 15 days to go until the launch at Maranello; just one of the topics on the agenda for Domenicali who arrived here yesterday to take part in this event that has provided the symbolic kick-off to the racing season every year since 1989.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130115-wrooom-2013-relaxing-in-the-snow.aspxMadonna di Campiglio, 15 January –Tuesday at Wrooom will come to an end under the lights of a spectacular torchlight procession. The Philip Morris International Press Ski MeetingF1 NewsTue, 15 Jan 2013 19:00:00 GMTwrooom 2013,madonna di campiglio,press ski meeting,philip morris international,january 2013,2013,alonso,massa,domenicali/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130115_alonso_massa_wroom2013_1300008_eve_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130115_alonso_massa_wroom2013_1300008_eve_260x200.jpgMadonna di Campiglio, 15 January –Tuesday at Wrooom will come to an end under the lights of a spectacular torchlight procession. The Philip Morris International Press Ski Meeting got underway yesterday on the slopes of Madonna di Campiglio, with the Scuderia Ferrari drivers and their Ducati Team colleagues meeting up with the specialist media for the twenty third edition of this event, regarded as a curtain raiser to both the Formula 1 and MotoGP seasons. Also at tonight’s dinner in a typical mountain chalet is Stefano Domenicali, who arrived here late in the afternoon, on a day when Felipe Massa had a busy day skiing, while team-mate Fernando Alonso worked on his training in the gym. Both drivers have a fleet of brightly painted Fiat Freemont cars to shuttle between the glamorous and elegant Chalet Fiat, at an altitude of two thousand metres and the main area of the event. In fact, it was from Fiat’s “winter home” that the Fiat Top Ski Schools Project got underway last December, when the Freemont was again in action, alongside 640 experts from 14 of the top Italian ski schools. Tomorrow, the Scuderia Ferrari drivers will enjoy another day relaxing in the mountains, while team principal Domenicali will be on call for one of the many press conferences, which today got underway with the riders from the two-wheeled team.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130114-the-engines-fire-up-at-campiglio.aspxMadonna di Campiglio, 14 January – Today sees the start of “Wrooom,” the Press Ski Meeting organised by Philip Morris International. Taking place on the slopes of Madonna di CampiglioF1 NewsMon, 14 Jan 2013 16:00:00 GMTwrooom 2013,madonna di campiglio,press ski meeting,philip morris international,domenicali,alonso,massa,gené,january 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130114_wrooom_1300005_eve_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130114_wrooom_1300005_eve_260x200.jpgMadonna di Campiglio, 14 January – Today sees the start of “Wrooom,” the Press Ski Meeting organised by Philip Morris International. Taking place on the slopes of Madonna di Campiglio, this is the twenty third time that it marks the symbolic start of the Formula 1 and MotoGP seasons, against the magnificent backdrop of the Dolomiti mountains, in the Trentino region. As usual, the welcome dinner will take place tonight at the Salone Hofer as the international media are met by the Scuderia Ferrari race drivers along with their colleagues from the Ducati Team. For the Maranello Scuderia the first meeting with the specialist press will take place on Wednesday, as the team principal Stefano Domenicali takes to the stage at the conference centre for a press conference, while on Thursday it will be the turn of Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa. The Brazilian has taken part in this event countless times, while it will be Alonso’s fourth appearance and joining them will be Marc Gené, the Spaniard who works on marketing and sporting activities linked to Prancing Horse customers. Then, on Friday, the Ferrari men will be joined by their two-wheeled colleagues for the kart race on the frozen lake, which provides the setting for the spectacular closing ceremony of this week of sporting activity.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130113-bianchi-triumphs-on-massa-s-home-turf.aspxPenha ( Santa Catarina State, Brazil) 13 January – Jules Bianchi has won the “Desafio das Estrelas” the international karting event organised by Felipe Massa, featuring a host of top driversF1 NewsSun, 13 Jan 2013 17:00:00 GMTbianchi,massa,alonso,january 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130113_bianchi_130003_new_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130113_bianchi_130003_new_260x200.jpgPenha ( Santa Catarina State, Brazil) 13 January – Jules Bianchi has won the “Desafio das Estrelas” the international karting event organised by Felipe Massa, featuring a host of top drivers, obviously including Felipe himself and, making his debut here, Fernando Alonso. <br /> <br /> At the Beta Carrero World kart track, the FDA driver won the first race and was fourth in the second, amassing 40 points, five more than the runner-up, Brazil’s Felipe Nasr and ten more than another Brazilian, Lucas Di Grassi who was third. “I am very happy with this victory,” said Bianchi. “I had already won last year, but that time there was a slight mistake with the weight of the kart, but this time everything went well. It’s nice to race against some of the best drivers and in front of such a big and enthusiastic crowd. I want to the thank the Massa family for everything and I hope I can come back next year to take part again.” <br /> <br /> Jules’s name can be added to a top class roll of honour, featuring such names as Felipe Massa, Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher. <br /> <br /> The two Scuderia Ferrari drivers were out of luck on their 2013 competition debut. Felipe finished eighth overall on 14 points, after finishing tenth and eighth in the two rounds. “This was probably the hardest Desafio ever for me,” said the Ferrari man. “If everything is not perfect, then even a tenth can make a big difference. My engine was not at its best yesterday and I paid for that today. The most important thing is that the event is getting bigger year after year. I was very pleased that Fernando was here with us and I’m sure he had fun!” <br /> <br /> The Brazilian was absolutely right about his team-mate having fun, as Fernando himself confirmed, even though he failed to score points, with a twenty first and an eighteenth place to his name, because of accelerator problems which saw him retire from race 1. “It was a very enjoyable weekend and I hope the spectators had has much fun as I did. Will I be back next year? If Felipe asks me, definitely!” <br /> <br /> The two Ferrari men are on a busy schedule and, as soon as the karting challenge was over, they were boarding a plane for Italy where, as from tomorrow, they tackle their first official engagement of the 2013 season. The 22nd edition of “Wrooom” gets underway at Madonna di Campiglio, where Scuderia Ferrari meets up with media from all over the world against the amazing backdrop of the Dolomite mountains. Among other events, Felipe and Fernando will once again find themselves at the wheel of karts: “Wrooom” ends with a challenge between the Ferrari drivers and Ducati riders, featuring a few guest starts on the ice lake in the Trentino ski resort.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130108-a-new-year-and-a-new-project-under-way.aspxMaranello, 8 January – The first week of 2013 has just finished for the Scuderia Ferrari and now all the departments are back in full swing at work.F1 NewsTue, 08 Jan 2013 19:00:00 GMTalonso,massa,domenicali,january 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130108_130001_new_domenicali_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130108_130001_new_domenicali_260x200.jpgMaranello, 8 January – The first week of 2013 has just finished for the Scuderia Ferrari and now all the departments are back in full swing at work. The start of the new Formula 1 season is now on the doorstep: in less than a month – on February 5 at the circuit of Jerez de la Frontera – the curtain will be raised on the first of just three test sessions scheduled for this year. But before that the Ferrari calendar features other dates, starting with “Wrooom”, the traditional event that has been opening the Prancing Horse’s sporting season for more than 20 years in the stunning location of the Dolomites at Madonna di Campiglio: from January 14-18 Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa and Stefano Domenicali will be meeting up with representatives of the media from all over the world. <br /> <br /> Following that, in the very first days of February, the new car will be officially unveiled at Maranello ahead of its debut on the track at Jerez immediately afterwards. <br /> <br /> In the meantime, a project linked to the long-term future of the Scuderia has started to take shape: the new base. The first excavations have indeed begun of the foundations of the building that will house the offices of the management, engineers and administrative staff along with the working areas of the team. The location, which is owned by Ferrari and currently used as a car park, is situated between the Cavallino restaurant and the building that is currently used by the Scuderia. The project has been planned in accordance with guidelines inspired by the practicality, efficiency and style that characterise the Formula One programme. The aim is to create an environment that has been well thought through for the people who will work there. This programme, which has benefited from the positive steps taken in favour of the employees and their families, has earned Ferrari the title “Best place to work in Europe” from the Financial Times. In recent days the company has been working together with the district of Maranello to iron out all the administrative details: the procedure for the construction of the new building has been presented and details have been agreed that determine any amendments to this to keep in accordance with urban standards. Among them, new car parks will be built, substantially increasing the overall availability of places for cars to park in the area.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/130102-ferrari-museum-in-maranello-prolongs-the-great-ferraris-from-sergio-pininfarina-exhibition.aspxMaranello, 2 January - The big exhibition dedicated to Sergio Pininfarina and his most exciting Ferraris has been registering visitors' records since its opening on 26 October.F1 NewsWed, 02 Jan 2013 12:00:00 GMTsergio pininfarina,ferrari museum,structuration f1 ferrari,alonso,massa,january 2013,2013/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130102_mspf_130001_cor_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/130102_mspf_130001_cor_260x200.jpgMaranello, 2 January - The big exhibition dedicated to Sergio Pininfarina and his most exciting Ferraris has been registering visitors' records since its opening on 26 October. Therefore the Ferrari museum, in accordance with the Pininfarina family, has decided to prolong the exhibition until 24 February. <br /> <br /> The visitors will be welcomed by another surprise at the museum: the &quot;Structuration F1 Ferrari&quot;, with a Formula One single-seater as the main protagonist. The sculpture has been recently inaugurated by Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa and can be found right in front of the entrance to the museum in Maranello.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/racing_news/Pages/121223-scuderia-ferrari-racing-news-n-21.aspxAfter an exciting season and the next already in sight, the men from Ferrari came together in Maranello at several meetings, also celebrating the upcoming holidays.F1 NewsSun, 23 Dec 2012 11:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari racing news 2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121223-SFRN21-260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121223-SFRN21-260x200.jpgAfter an exciting season and the next already in sight, the men from Ferrari came together in Maranello at several meetings, also celebrating the upcoming holidays.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121221-fda-the-fda-year.aspxMaranello, 21 December –This is also the time to review the activities of the Ferrari Driver Academy, the structure created by Ferrari to help develop talented young drivers chosen from the global motor sport arena...F1 NewsFri, 21 Dec 2012 19:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,fda,december 2012,2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121220_fda_baldisserri_120201_new_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121220_fda_baldisserri_120201_new_260x200.jpgMaranello, 21 December –This is also the time to review the activities of the Ferrari Driver Academy, the structure created by Ferrari to help develop talented young drivers chosen from the global motor sport arena, with a view to training them for an eventual future in the world of F1. <br /> <br /> Apart from his duties as third driver with Sahara Force India, Jules Bianchi had a great season as a contender in the World Series 3.5, eventually finishing second overall: the Frenchman took three wins, eight podium finishes and five pole positions. Jules’ objective for 2013 is naturally to find a firm place in Formula 1. “That is fundamental for our project,” said Luca Baldisserri, the head of the FDA, “that he reaches this target: it could see him have a great future in Red.” <br /> <br /> “By the time he had signed for McLaren, Mexico’s Sergio Perez had already left the Academy, as did Brandon Maisano, who did not reach the progress goals established for him at the start of the season. However, he finished third in the Italian Formula 3 Championship, with three wins, 15 podiums and two pole positions. <br /> <br /> There was a more positive outcome for the other two youngsters, Lance Stroll and Raffaele Marciello. The very young Canadian raced in karts, winning the Las Vegas Trophy, finishing fourth in the WSK Masters, fifth in the CIK-FIA World Championship, eighth in the Euro CIK-FIA and twelfth in the WSK Euro. Next year, Lance will compete in the KF category with the Chiesa Corse team. <br /> <br /> Marciello was very much a front runner in the FIA F3 Euroseries, finishing second in the Championship with eight wins, thirteen podium finishes and four pole positions from the thirty races he contested. In 2013, Raffaele will again contest this championship for Team Prema. <br /> <br /> There’s a new arrival in 2013, in the shape of Antonio Fuoco. Born on 20 May 1996 in Cosenza, Italy, Antonio began his career in karts when he was only four years old and already, in 2007, he secured his first international win in the 60 mini category. In 2009, the promising driver moved up to KF3 where he took third place in the Italian championship, improving by one the following year, when he finished second overall in the series. At the end of 2011, Antonio won the Supercorso prize, organised by the CSAI in collaboration with the FDA, which included some tests at the wheel of a Formula Abarth. The great results on his debut in KF2 in 2012, when Antonio finished third in the WSK Euroseries, along with the progress he showed in testing in the Formula Abarth means the young Italian is now officially part of the Ferrari Academy. <br /> <br /> Apart from supporting talented youngsters, the FDA programme also includes initiatives aimed at promoting motor sport in general, in Italy and other countries, with partnerships that see it support junior championships in Europe, America (Panam GP Series:) 7 events with 24 participants, the 2012 winner being the Ecuadorian Sebastian Merchan and in Asia (Formula Pilota:) 18 races and 14 drivers, the 2012 winner being Italy’s Antonio Giovanazzi. <br /> <br /> The process begun in 2011 continues for selecting young kart racers taking part in the Italian KF3 and KF2 Championships for the Supercorse CSAI-FDA. The winners of the Formula Abarth Championship, Italy’s Luca Ghiotto and from Uruguay, Santiago Urrutia, took part in the Supercorso CSAI-FDA. The winners of the Italian F3 Championship, Riccardo Agostini (ITA) and Eddie Cheever (ITA) tested an F1 car at Vallelunga, along with the winner of the FIA F3 Championship, Daniel Juncadella (ESP.) For 2013, there will be some changes in the integration of working methods of youngsters from the FDA and the Federation School.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121220-domenicali-two-coordinators-for-the-2013-and-2014-design-projects.aspxMaranello, 20 December – The Christmas time meeting with the Italian and international media also served as an opportunity for Team Principal Stefano Domenicali to announce a few changes in the organization of Scuderia FerrariF1 NewsThu, 20 Dec 2012 21:00:00 GMTdomenicali,december 2012,2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121124_domenicali_120001_bra_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121124_domenicali_120001_bra_260x200.jpgMaranello, 20 December – The Christmas time meeting with the Italian and international media also served as an opportunity for Team Principal Stefano Domenicali to announce a few changes in the organization of Scuderia Ferrari, while also looking ahead to next season. <br /> <br /> “For a few months now, we have been working on a programme of reorganization along with the introduction of new methodologies, especially concerning the wind tunnel,” said Domenicali. “As you know, we are rebuilding the Maranello facility which will be closed until August. Until then, we will use the Toyota wind tunnel in Cologne. We have also adopted a better method of splitting up the work between those who run the wind tunnel and those who should concentrate more on the creative side of the job. This year, we saw that when we do too many things at the same time, maybe we are not efficient enough. As regards the design, we have decided, particularly in light of the unusual demands we will face in 2013, when we will have a completely new project to work on for the future, to have two coordinators: Simone Resta, an engineer who has developed his career in Maranello and is very effective, will work on the 2013 car and Fabio Montecchi, will deal with the one for the following year. Nikolas Tombazis continues as Chief Designer. We must also apply in other areas what we have done at the track, for example in production: as was confirmed by some new arrivals from outside the company, in our “time to market,” by which is meant the time from conception to producing the parts and in our long term research. <br /> <br /> “We are well aware that we must start off with a more competitive car, as our President has demanded,” continued Domenicali. “Clearly we have only been concentrating all our efforts on the new one from a few weeks before the final race, given we pushed right to the end on this year’s. The 2013 car will be launched at the very end of January or the early days of February: as usual, the first one will be just a launch version, while the complete one will be seen in the final days of testing or in Australia, so as to make the most of all the time available. <br /> <br /> “We will need to try and push the technical regulations to the very limit,” added Montezemolo, “while maintaining our strong points from this year, or improving them still further, because the others will not be twiddling their thumbs, but not by almost brushing against illegality, as happened in 2009 with the double diffuser. However we need to adopt a different, more creative approach.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121220-montezemolo-congratulations-to-the-winners.aspxMaranello, 20 December – The Formula 1 year just ended has, to put it diplomatically, thrown up several topics for discussion and President Montezemolo did not let the opportunity pass to remark on themF1 NewsThu, 20 Dec 2012 17:50:00 GMTluca di montezemolo,december 2012,2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121220_montezemolo_f2012_120202_new_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121220_montezemolo_f2012_120202_new_260x200.jpgMaranello, 20 December – The Formula 1 year just ended has, to put it diplomatically, thrown up several topics for discussion and President Montezemolo did not let the opportunity pass to remark on them, without however wishing to beat any political drum. <br /> <br /> “Let’s start with this, let’s congratulate Red Bull and Vettel, who had an amazing car and is a great driver,” said Montezemolo. “If for whatever reason, Alonso was to retire, then I’d like Vettel, a driver who has his feet on the ground and a great will to win. It was Schumacher who pointed him out to me a few years ago, as he knew him from the time when Sebastian was still racing karts. I have to admit Michael was right but having said that, I am immensely happy to have Alonso in our team! <br /> <br /> “During the year, there were some things I did not like,” he continued. “I saw cars that did not comply with the regulations, but instead of being disqualified, their teams were told to fix it for the next race. Above all, I note with regret that it is no longer possible to have a technology transfer from the track to the road, because in too many areas, development is frozen and because aerodynamics is too important, so that the cars are more and more like spacecraft and less like cars. All this is born of a desire to go for the lowest common denominator, something that needs to stop and is the result of decisions made four years ago, at the time of Mosley, when there was an urgent necessity to reduce costs. With 2014 however, we need to start a new phase: we will see which means of governance Formula 1 will adopt, but we will put forward our ideas very forcefully. For our part, a choice which I wanted to emphasise to give the greatest possible emphasis with the Board of Directors, is that we will do all in our power to push for a strong change, to bring Formula 1 back to its role as a real test bed for road car research. We will no longer accept this principal of absolute democracy. The gap between the small teams and the big ones is still very big but you can’t always do everything at the lowest level: if they don’t have the resources or the structure then they should compete in a lower series. On this subject, I will put back on the table the idea of selling a third car to the smaller teams, a solution that would allow them to have a competitive car at relatively low cost, which would allow them to attract more sponsors. <br /> <br /> “As for testing, it’s getting close to ridiculous,” continued Montezemolo. “The FIA is not opposed to it, we are not and so what is the reason for it. There are teams who have put a lot of funding into simulators as have we, while at the same time we have invested heavily at Mugello, which is now one of the nicest circuits in the world. In the next few days we will meet Ecclestone and Todt and we will put all these perplexing points on the table. I would remind everyone that test sessions are not just for developing the cars, but are also an opportunity for sponsors and for young drivers. What possible media or commercial interest can there be in testing in a simulator?” <br /> <br /> Inevitably, there was a reference to the recent exchange with Bernie Ecclestone relating to the letter Ferrari sent to the FIA regarding Vettel’s overtaking move on Vergne in Brazil. “Every so often, Bernie likes to play the boss and gets involved in matters that don’t concern him: godfathers no longer exist, at least not in Formula 1,” said the Ferrari President. “Interpretation of flags, be they yellow or blue is nothing to do with him and he used expressions that I do not accept. Our behaviour in this instance was not only transparent, but perfect and maybe he would do better to think about attracting bigger crowds and more youngsters, and to discuss more with the television stations and the media. We are approaching a time when we need to think about the future, because all eras must inevitably come to an end, as happened to us when Todt, Brawn and Schumacher left. It’s not a case of replacing Bernie and in fact I do not like doing to others what I would not want to happen to myself. It’s a question that needs to be tackled with the current owners of this sport, CVC which, let us not forget, is an investment company looking for a financial return on what it has invested in Formula 1. The era of the one man show cannot continue: the future should be in the hands of a team that will look after all the different areas. We are slowly approaching the end of a period characterised by the style of one man who has done significant things. It’s a bit of a similar case to what will happen to me: within the decade I will face this question, but when I am 75 not 82…”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121220-montezemolo-another-season-as-contenders.aspxMaranello, 20 December – The Formula 1 year ended with second place in the two championships, secured at the very last race. Therefore so some sense of regret is inevitableF1 NewsThu, 20 Dec 2012 16:30:00 GMTluca di montezemolo,december 2012,2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121220_montezemolo_120203_new_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121220_montezemolo_120203_new_260x200.jpgMaranello, 20 December – The Formula 1 year ended with second place in the two championships, secured at the very last race. Therefore so some sense of regret is inevitable and President Montezemolo certainly did not shirk from that fact during the usual Christmas meeting with the Italian and international press. <br /> <br /> “You can see the glass as half full or half empty, but clearly there is great regret,” he said. “Because the outcome went down to the wire, because after that first lap in Brazil, maybe things could have turned out differently, because Fernando went on holiday at the start of the summer break with a 40 point lead over his closest challenger and because, when it came to collisions (the car in the centre of the tables was actually the one used by Alonso at Spa…Editor’s note) we were forced to retire, while others kept going as if nothing had happened. However, the biggest regret is that we did not have a car that was quick enough to win the World Championship. <br /> <br /> “On the glass half full side, we had amazing reliability which allowed us to come second in the Constructors’ championship despite the fact McLaren was quicker than us and despite the fact that, in the first half of the season we pretty much only had Alonso’s points to count on,” continued Montezemolo. “There were those great starts and pit stops and the fact Fernando had an extraordinary season, the best since he has been in Formula 1. Next year, let’s hope we can say it was our best season, given that we want to give him and Felipe a car that’s competitive right from the start. The Spaniard is a mix of Lauda and Schumacher: like the former, he has the ability to drive every race lap as though it was qualifying, like the latter, he has the intelligence to know when it’s time to push and when it’s time to look after the car. The Brazilian improved a great deal in the second half: in fact in the first part, it seemed he’d gone on a round the world holiday! Joking apart, I think the decision to reconfirm his position was the right one: if we had changed, then one would need to take on someone who would make a difference and I can’t say I noticed many drivers around who would be quicker than Felipe. Also, we did not want to change the balance and the good atmosphere within the team. Domenicali and I told ourselves it was best to wait and I think that the facts proved us right. Towards the end, when Felipe was even faster than Fernando a couple of times, the points he scored played a vital part in securing our place in the Constructors’ championship. <br /> <br /> “Once again this season we were contenders. We must start from this positive point,” concluded Montezemolo. “If we succeed and improve our performance then we can be winners.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121220-keeping-up-the-tradition-at-christmas.aspxMaranello, 20 December – The end of the world is fast approaching according to Mayan prophecies but some Ferrari traditions cannot be knocked off course. F1 NewsThu, 20 Dec 2012 15:00:00 GMTluca di montezemolo,december 2012,2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121220_montezemolo_120204_new_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121220_montezemolo_120204_new_260x200.jpgMaranello, 20 December – The end of the world is fast approaching according to Mayan prophecies but some Ferrari traditions cannot be knocked off course. One of these is undoubtedly the traditional Italian press dinner with Luca di Montezemolo, an opportunity to exchange season’s greetings and listen to a not to be missed summary of the year that’s all but over. For the past ten years the dinner has been held in the meeting room at the Fiorano track. Tables are set up in a square with the 2012 Formula 1 World Championship car, the F2012 in the centre. The menu is entirely local to the Emiliano region: tortellini in a soup made of capons, pig’s trotters and lentils. Furthermore, still on matters culinary, the journalists who were in Maranello yesterday – there were also some foreign media present – were presented at lunch with a basket of local produce, including, tortellini, balsamic vinegar, parmesan and pig’s trotters, from companies whose establishments were badly damaged in last May’s earthquake: it was a small sign of the help given to promote a business community that reacted in no uncertain fashion to that devastating disaster. <br /> <br /> “Ferrari, along with my own family, are the most important things in my life,” maintained President Luca di Montezemolo, as a preamble to his classic overview of the Prancing Horse in 2012. “I am lucky to come here to Maranello, feeling in a good mood, with many ideas and many things to do, some of which are already in hand. If I look back at the past ten years, I see that we have almost doubled our presence in the world, going from 34 to 60 markets. Our turnover has always grown, with the exception of 2009: it’s a bit like Formula 1, where in the last sixteen years, we have only failed to win the title, or been in the fight for it, at the last race on three occasions. <br /> <br /> “I believe and hope that in 2012, we will beat our record in terms of business results and the number of cars sold, despite a particularly difficult year in economic terms in Europe and especially in Italy, a country where we now sell just 3% of our production,” continued Montezemolo. “We have five new models in our range and we have continued to make significant investments: this is especially significant in terms of the accounts, as it’s definitely not the same to have good results if you are not investing. Thanks to the brand, we have earned 52 million Euro, coming from the stores, retail, licensing and e-commerce: these figures are definitely significant. We are also working on developing our presence on the Internet, where we currently communicate in seven languages.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121216-ferrari-s-christmas-is-full-of-smiling-children.aspxMaranello, 16 December – It’s a day for the children here in Maranello, as once a year at Ferrari it’s all about them. Today is their party, the Kids ChristmasF1 NewsSun, 16 Dec 2012 15:00:00 GMTferrari,christmas,kids christmas,december 2012,2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121216_natale_120190_new_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121216_natale_120190_new_260x200.jpgMaranello, 16 December – It’s a day for the children here in Maranello, as once a year at Ferrari it’s all about them. Today is their party, the Kids Christmas, a traditional event that takes place every year as part of the Christmas festivities. It is held in a marquee erected alongside the Product Development Centre building and inside there are a whole host of games, attractions and stages which play host to a series of performances all aimed at the very youngest Ferraristi. <br /> <br /> A very large number of Company employees were there with their families, along with President Luca di Montezemolo and they received gifts from some very special Father Christmases, including Scuderia Ferrari drivers Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa, Jules Bianchi, Marc Gene, Andrea Bertolini and Davide Rigon.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121215-f1-a-double-unveiling-in-maranello.aspxMaranello, 15 December – Today, two now well established symbols of Ferrari in Maranello were centre stage. This morning, on came the lights on the Christmas tree that for some years now has been donated to Ferrari by the city of Brunico.F1 NewsSat, 15 Dec 2012 18:35:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,luca di montezemolo,piero ferrari,amedeo felisa,domenicali,alonso,massa,december 2012,2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121215_f1_120185_new_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121215_f1_120185_new_260x200.jpgMaranello, 15 December – Today, two now well established symbols of Ferrari in Maranello were centre stage. This morning, on came the lights on the Christmas tree that for some years now has been donated to Ferrari by the city of Brunico. The fir tree, which is almost twenty metres tall and is lit with over ten thousand low energy light bulbs is planted outside the front of the company restaurant. Flicking the switch was a delegation from Brunico, led by the Mayor, Christian Tschurtschenthaler and the vice-president of the province of Bolzano Hans Berger, along with President Luca di Montezemolo, Vice President Piero Ferrari, Managing Director Amedeo Felisa, Team Principal Stefano Domenicali and the drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa. <br /> <br /> Afterwards, Fernando and Felipe took part in the official unveiling of the new installation, “Structuration F1 Ferrari,” a sculpture by the French artist Jean-Yves Lechevallier, originally located alongside the historic management apartment building inside the Ferrari facility. The sculpture, made from a real F1 car, is set up in a dynamic pose within a chromed metal tubular structure and is now to be found in front of the Ferrari Museum: one more reason to visit one of the most visited industrial museums in the world and home to significant exhibitions, like the one currently taking place, dedicated to the Great Ferraris of Sergio Pininfarina.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121215-f1-christmas-with-the-ferrari-family.aspxMaranello, 15 December – The Scuderia’s Christmas lunch is always a special date on the calendar for the men and women who work in Maranello.F1 NewsSat, 15 Dec 2012 18:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,luca di montezemolo,domenicali,alonso,massa,gené,rigon,bianchi,december 2012,2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121215_f1_120178_new_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121215_f1_120178_new_260x200.jpgMaranello, 15 December – The Scuderia’s Christmas lunch is always a special date on the calendar for the men and women who work in Maranello. Everyone comes together, from President Montezemolo to the drivers, from Stefano Domenicali and all the engineers and staff of the Gestione Sportiva to representatives from sponsors and suppliers, just like a real, big family to wish each other well and to have a final look back at the season just ended. <br /> <br /> A lot of gifts – apart from the partners, there was recognition for the FDA drivers, as well as those who won so many GT races with the 458 Italia and drivers like Gene, Rigon and Bianchi, who contributed so much behind the scenes to the work of the Scuderia – and a lot of good wishes, but the most important remarks came from the race drivers and, naturally enough, Montezemolo. <br /> <br /> “This has been a very difficult year for me, especially at the start, when we couldn’t find the right way to move forward with our car,” said Felipe Massa, who got a warm and affectionate round of applause from those present. “The second part was very different: I was more competitive and, thanks to the strength I got from all of you, I managed to get back to the way I was before. Now I am more motivated than ever: the second part of the season was like a training session for next year. In 2013, I really want to come back to this event to celebrate something even better together with all of you!” <br /> <br /> “I wish to thank all of you and our partners for what you do for us drivers who race all over the world flying the Ferrari flag,” added Fernando Alonso, who received a well deserved ovation for what has been an amazing season. “In particular, I want to thank those who work at the race track, spending so much time away from their families and those in Maranello who gave their all to improving the car, working day and night to put us in a position to fight for the world titles. This year, we won races and we fought for the World Championship right to the very end, for the second time in three years, an achievement to which few can lay claim. Really, thanks to all of your and, as Felipe said, let’s hope we are back here in a year’s time in this same room with a very nice car and something else close by…” <br /> <br /> The most heartfelt thanks came from the President, aimed at everyone but mainly at those who are never in the glare of the spotlight. “You are our most valuable asset, representing our present and our future: without you there would be no Ferrari, neither today nor in the past,” said Montezemolo. “I wish to congratulate you for what you have done, starting with our reliability record. To win in Formula 1, one needs to do everything perfectly: we can be pleased with the improvements we have made on the strategy front, at the pit stops and in our race preparation and we must maintain these strong points next year too. We lacked a car that was quicker than the others and we must reflect carefully on how that happened and come up with a response, because in 2013, the aim, not just for me, but for all of you, is to immediately have a car that’s capable of winning. We must all do a little bit more to achieve that, but without losing any of the plus points we demonstrated this year, starting with reliability.” <br /> <br /> While going over the championship just ended, Montezemolo could not avoid mentioning incidents that weighed heavily on Fernando’s season, such as the accidents immediately after the start in Spa and Suzuka, but he also invited everyone present to offer up a round of applause to the world champion, Sebastian Vettel, because “one most always congratulate the winner, because he didn’t do it by chance and because we also hope that next year, someone else will be doing the same for us…” <br /> <br /> Finally, Montezemolo spoke about the two race drivers. “I don’t know where you went in the first part of the year,” he joked with Felipe, “but I am very pleased you came back, both because it meant we were able to finish ahead of major teams in the Constructors’ classification, but also because it is important for next year. Fernando had an extraordinary season and I am sorry not to have given him a car that was quick as well as reliable. But I’m sure that if we had come to the final race with just a few more points, including those we lost along the way, what with a collision or two, then with his ability and that of the team, we could just as easily have won: congratulations to Fernando and thanks for what he did for Ferrari!”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121213-alex-is-a-journalist-for-the-day.aspxMadrid, 13 December – It’s not every day that you get the chance to interview Fernando Alonso, just ask all the journalists who try and prise an exclusive with the Spanish driver out of the Maranello press office.F1 NewsThu, 13 Dec 2012 18:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,alonso,december 2012,2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121213_alonso_120174_new_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121213_alonso_120174_new_260x200.jpgMadrid, 13 December – It’s not every day that you get the chance to interview Fernando Alonso, just ask all the journalists who try and prise an exclusive with the Spanish driver out of the Maranello press office. But good fortune fell on Alex, who won the “Journalist for a day” competition organised by the Santander Bank for children of the media representatives who were at the Ciudad Financera di Boadilla del Monte yesterday for the traditional Christmas time event. <br /> <br /> In this video you can watch the whole interview in Spanish, also available with English and Italian subtitles.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121213-alonso-the-overwhelming-choice-of-team-principals.aspxMaranello, 13 December – End of year awards are an ephemeral pleasure but nevertheless it’s satisfying to get one. In Formula 1, the ones that maybe carry the most weight are those voted for by the sport’s inner circleF1 NewsThu, 13 Dec 2012 17:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,alonso,december 2012,2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121213_alonso_120046_bra_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121213_alonso_120046_bra_260x200.jpgMaranello, 13 December – End of year awards are an ephemeral pleasure but nevertheless it’s satisfying to get one. In Formula 1, the ones that maybe carry the most weight are those voted for by the sport’s inner circle, as was the case in a survey carried out by the British magazine “Autosport.”It polled the team principals from all twelve teams that took part in this year’s world championship, asking them to put in order the top ten drivers of the past season and then allocated them points as per the current championship system. Well, Fernando Alonso got a resounding vote: the champion from Oviedo racked up 269 points, a whole 71 more than Sebastian Vettel. The voting was carried out in strict anonymity, but there’s no problem in making public the fact that the Maranello Scuderia’s team principal, Stefano Domenicali, allocated his 25 points position to his Spanish driver, but even without this, Fernando would have come out on top by a considerable margin. Apart from Domenicali, seven other Team Principals chose Alonso as the best driver of the season: it’s the second time in the last five years, the other being in 2010, that the Spaniard has come out on top in this poll. Felipe Massa also made it into the top ten, even if in tenth spot, which is a further sign of confidence in him, following the “Casco d’Oro” received last Monday from the Brazilian magazine “Racing.” This most prestigious Brazilian motor sport award follows on from a second part of the season in which Felipe made great progress. <br /> <br /> “I was pleased to be chosen by the team principals as the best driver of 2012,” Fernando told www.ferrari.com. “As I said yesterday in Madrid, I think it will be very difficult to repeat what was almost a perfect season this year, but we will try, which isn’t saying much, but it’s true! Of course, next year I would prefer to win the title, happy to leave this prestigious yet idealistic award to one of my peers…”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121212-a-special-driver-meets-special-journalists.aspxMadrid, 12 December – Final working appearances of 2012 for Fernando Alonso, who was in Madrid today for a series of events organised by the Santander BankF1 NewsWed, 12 Dec 2012 19:30:00 GMTalonso,scuderia ferrari,december 2012,2012http://www.ferrari.com/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121212_120175_new_alo_260x200_130x86.jpghttp://www.ferrari.com/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121212_120175_new_alo_260x200.jpgMadrid, 12 December – Final working appearances of 2012 for Fernando Alonso, who was in Madrid today for a series of events organised by the Santander Bank. Then this coming weekend he will be in Maranello for the usual end of year lunch with the Scuderia on Saturday, followed on Sunday by the pre-Christmas party for the children of all the Ferrari employees. <br /> <br /> Fernando was at the Ciudad Financera, the headquarters of the “best bank in the world,” as it said on the rear wing of the F2012s for the final seven races of the season, to take part in an unusual press conference. The names of those asking the questions were well known to him, but their appearance was very different, for the simple reason that the interviewers were actually the children of Spanish journalists, invited by Santander for an early Christmas celebration with the Spanish driver. <br /> <br /> Clearly, good journalism runs in the blood as the questions these very young writers in the making asked were rather interesting and probably less predictable than those asked by their parents, ranging from football – “who is the best out of Messi, Ronaldo or Facao?” to statistical queries –“how many trophies do you have at home,” and on his private life – “do you know how to dance?” to the inevitable questions on Formula 1: for Fernando, it was definitely a nice way to deal with the press, while for his interlocutors, who knows, it might well have been the first step to trying out the jobs undertaken by their fathers and mothers! <br /> <br /> In the meantime, everyone got their first reward in the shape of a push-scooter given them by the Ferrari driver, while the winner of the “Journalist for a Day” competition also got the opportunity to grill Fernando in a one-to-one situation, with the interview available on line and on the social network media of both Ferrari and Santander Bank as from tomorrow afternoon. <br /> <br /> Before facing the rapid fire questions from the younger generation, Alonso could not get out of a brief encounter with the grown-ups, this time in the guise of professionals, rather than parents. Obviously, here there was no room for the fun questions that came from the kids, but instead the topics revolved around what the driver had done in Interlagos immediately after the race and then in Valencia for the Ferrari Finali Mondiali. “Sometimes you think you’ve done a good job and at others you feel something is lacking or that you would like to change or improve for the following year, but this time, I think this was a perfect year and I am very happy with my season,” said Fernando looking back on 2012. “I think it will be almost impossible to do the same again in my career.” “Vettel is a worthy champion: he scored more points than anyone else and that is clear for all to see,” he continued. “Red Bull will again be favourites next year, ending this season with seven or eight tenths in hand over us and that will be hard for us to make up over the winter. The McLaren was also quicker than us and, at the end, even Force India and Lotus were ahead of us. Having said that, I remain confident, partly because we will be starting from a better base than this year. It would be hard to start as badly as in 2012: in Jerez at the first test, we were two seconds and a half off the pace, in Australia one and a half seconds… There’s a lot of work to do but our objective is clear: to have two Ferraris ahead of the field, both on Saturday and Sunday. These past few years, some teams have managed that, but not us: we will try again in 2013. I don’t think the fact the Maranello wind tunnel has been temporarily closed will be a handicap: we will use other wind tunnels, and indeed we have been doing just that for the past few months.” Finally, Fernando touched briefly on the Vettel pass on Vergne at Interlagos. “I can only repeat what I already said in Valencia: Ferrari was right to ask the FIA for a clarification in order to remove all doubt for the fans: the Federation replied that everything was in order and so the case is closed.” Fernando’s day ended on an ecologicial-jogging note, as the Ferrari driver along with the Santander Bank President, Emilio Botin inaugurated “El Bosque.” This is a wooded area situated inside the Ciudad Financera aimed at cultural and recreational use. Along with 200 Santander employees, Fernando took part in a one kilometre race within the park wearing a shirt with the slogan “race 1km+” an initiative aimed at raising funds for the Spanish Red Cross.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121207-f1-a-ferrari-fires-up-bologna.aspxBologna, 7 December – The noise of a Ferrari brought this Friday to life at the Bologna Motor Show, as fans of the marque were able to see a Formula 1 car in action.F1 NewsFri, 07 Dec 2012 15:00:00 GMTmotor show bologna,fisichella,bruni,massa,december 2012,2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121207_fisichella_120169_new_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121207_fisichella_120169_new_260x200.jpgBologna, 7 December – The noise of a Ferrari brought this Friday to life at the Bologna Motor Show, as fans of the marque were able to see a Formula 1 car in action. At this the 37th year of the show, it fell to Giancarlo Fisichella to drive an F60, which the Scuderia ran in the 2009 World Championship, with Fisichella himself at the wheel for some of the races towards the end of that season, standing in for the injured Felipe Massa. The Italian powered the car around the show’s Motor Sport Arena, getting a very warm welcome from the fans packing the stands despite the arctic conditions currently sweeping this part of Italy. Fisichella, who alongside Gimmi Bruni won this year’s FIA World Endurance Championship at the wheel of a 458 GT2, also did four pit stop simulations, bidding farewell to the team and fans as another race season ended.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/racing_news/Pages/121204-scuderia-ferrari-racing-news-n20.aspxAt the end of the F1 Championship we’re reliving the stages of an intense season with an analysis from Scuderia Ferrari Technical Director Pat Fry.F1 NewsTue, 04 Dec 2012 22:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari racing news 2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121204_sfrn20_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121204_sfrn20_260x200.jpgAt the end of the F1 Championship we’re reliving the stages of an intense season with an analysis from Scuderia Ferrari Technical Director Pat Fry. Furthermore there is the exciting Finali Mondiali Ferrari held in Valencia, with the most significant images and the statements from Chairman Luca di Montezemolo, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa. Last but not least another chapter in our Formula 1 alphabet with the contribution of the Scuderia Ferrari technicians.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121204-fda-a-competitive-2012.aspxThe long 2012 season has seen the Ferrari Driver Academy drivers running at the forefront of the major European junior categories, regarded as stepping stones to Formula 1.F1 NewsTue, 04 Dec 2012 13:00:00 GMTfda,raffaele marciello,brandon maisano,jules bianchi,december 2012,2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121204_fda_110318_fda_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121204_fda_110318_fda_260x200.jpgThe long 2012 season has seen the Ferrari Driver Academy drivers running at the forefront of the major European junior categories, regarded as stepping stones to Formula 1. Jules Bianchi, Raffaele Marciello and Brandon Maisano were in the hunt in their respective championships right to the final round, with real hopes of taking the titles. <br /> <br /> Unfortunately, for various reasons the championship crown eluded all of them at the very last, but the statistics of the season prove irrefutably that the FDA drivers were competitive in all their series. <br /> <br /> Our three drivers competed in a total of 71 races and finished on the podium in no less than 36 of them, including fourteen wins. There were also 11 pole positions and 18 fastest race laps. These figures testify to a consistent level of competitiveness, which means the Ferrari Driver Academy engineers have had the value of their work confirmed on the race tracks. <br /> <br /> “Our role consists of helping the talented youngsters we had chosen to improve,” explains the head of the FDA project, Luca Baldisserri. “We had to aim high in terms of results, but at the end of an intensive and gratifying 2012 season, we are pleased with what we have achieved, even if at the last, we missed out on winning any titles. That would have been the icing on the cake, but in the end, we have to consider that the role of an Academy is to guide young talent to progress in their profession, in the hope that it will lead them to Formula 1. <br /> <br /> “Bianchi missed out on the championship after he was rammed by his closest rival for the title,” concluded Baldisserri. “His performance can only be seen as very positive and that also applies to Marciello at his first attempt in an international series. Our guys were front runners, but more than that, they improved race after race, correcting their faults and refining their natural talent. In fact, the year can also be regarded as a great success for all those who worked with them on a daily basis.” <br /> <br /> <table border="1" width="660"> <tbody> <tr> <td><b>Driver</b></td> <td><b>Formula</b></td> <td><b>Championship Position</b></td> <td><b>Races</b></td> <td><b>Wins</b></td> <td><b>Podiums</b></td> <td><b>Poles</b></td> <td><b>Fastest Laps</b></td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Jules Bianchi</b></td> <td>Formula Renault 3.5</td> <td>2</td> <td>17</td> <td>3</td> <td>8</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Raffaele Marciello</b></td> <td>Formula 3 Euro Series + FIA</td> <td>Euro Ser. 3. (FIA 2.)</td> <td>30</td> <td>8</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>8</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Brandon Maisano</b></td> <td>Italian Formula 3 Series</td> <td>3</td> <td>24</td> <td>3</td> <td>15</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="3"></td> <td><b>71</b></td> <td><b>14</b></td> <td><b>36</b></td> <td><b>11</b></td> <td><b>18</b></td> </tr> </tbody> </table>http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121203-complete-clarity-in-maranello-and-congratulations-to-the-winners.aspxMaranello, 3 December – One thing is certain. Last week, if anyone thought Ferrari did not know how to lose, then yesterday, they got an unequivocal answer from ValenciaF1 NewsMon, 03 Dec 2012 10:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,luca di montezemolo,dicember 2012,2012,/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121202_120145_FM_montez_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121202_120145_FM_montez_260x200.jpgMaranello, 3 December – One thing is certain. Last week, if anyone thought Ferrari did not know how to lose, then yesterday, they got an unequivocal answer from Valencia. What Luca di Montezemolo said at the Finali Mondiali is worth repeating. “Congratulations go to Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull because they won and we are happy to congratulate winners, hoping and wishing that next year we are on the receiving end of these compliments. As for the yellow flag saga, we took the simplest and most linear route, by asking the Federation to look into it, making it clear that we would accept their decision and that’s what we did.” <br /> <br /> If anyone still had their doubts, they have now had their answer.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121202-over-30000-fans-at-valencia-for-the-ferrari-party.aspxCheste (Valencia), 2 December – Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo Circuit was today the stage for the most eagerly-anticipated spectacle of the four days of the Finali Mondiali FerrariF1 NewsSun, 02 Dec 2012 21:00:00 GMTfinali mondiali 2012,december 2012,2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121202_fm_120224_fm260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121202_fm_120224_fm260x200.jpgCheste (Valencia), 2 December – Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo Circuit was today the stage for the most eagerly-anticipated spectacle of the four days of the Finali Mondiali Ferrari, the event that traditionally rounds off the Maranello company’s competitive season which has been attended by more than 30,000 fans this weekend alone. <br /> <br /> The Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team took to the track together with the main stars who raced for Ferrari this year in the international Gran Turismo competitions. This led to a truly unique show that was worthy of the legend of the Prancing Horse: an appearance by over fifty historic cars. It was led away by two Californias driven by Giancarlo Fisichella and Gianmaria Bruni with Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo and Managing Director Amedeo Felisa on board. <br /> <br /> The extraordinary parade then continued with the five models that have raced in the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli championship, which reached its 20th anniversary this year. Each ar in the hands of one of the Scuderia’s drivers: Marc Genè at the wheel of a 348 Challenge, Davide Rigon on board a F355 Challenge, Jules Bianchi with a 360 Challenge, Felipe Massa in a F430 Challenge and Fernando Alonso driving a 458 Challenge. They all exchanged places on the track to celebrate the success of this long-lived championship that since 1993 has offered both professional drivers and gentleman drivers the chance to race on the world’s finest circuits. <br /> <br /> The second part of the show then saw a parade by the 458 GTs brought to the track by the Italian team AF Corse, which secured the Teams title in the FIA World Endurance Championship. The team also had a distinguished year in the Spanish International GT Open series and in the Blancpain Endurance Championship, along with the cars of the teams AIM Autosport and JMW Racing who put in prize-winning performances in the prestigious Le Mans Series and Grand AM champoinships. The final act of today’s celebrations then saw Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso at the wheel of two F60s. They put in a few laps of the track and a pit stop simulation before the traditional photo together with all the stars of the intense four days in Spain and a final greeting to all the clients and passionate fans present.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121202-finali-mondiali-montezemolo-ferrari-remains-at-a-high-level.aspxCheste, 2 December – “I always want to see Ferrari at a high level and that’s what has happened this year too.” Luca di Montezemolo didn’t hide his satisfaction for a year that has seen FerrariF1 NewsSun, 02 Dec 2012 20:00:00 GMTmontezemolo,2012,december 2012,finali mondiali 2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121203_120204_FM_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121203_120204_FM_260x200.jpgCheste, 2 December – “I always want to see Ferrari at a high level and that’s what has happened this year too.” Luca di Montezemolo didn’t hide his satisfaction for a year that has seen Ferrari as a major player not only in Formula 1 and in Gran Turismo – where the 458 GT has secured a hoard of titles – but also in car markets all over the world. <br /> <br /> “We are enjoying these times, we are enjoying a 458 that is competitive everywhere and a company that, in spite of a very difficult year around the world, has managed to beat all records in terms of economic results both in terms of the number of cars sold and in terms of our presence in different nations.” <br /> <br /> Formula 1 nonetheless dominated his traditional meeting with the representatives of the media. It couldn’t be any other way, above all in Spain: “I will begin straightaway with the ending, that way we can stop thinking about it,” said Montezemolo. “I’ve already said it but I want to say it again: I am proud of what the team has done and I want to thank everyone for that. In particular I want to thank Fernando, who has had the best season of his career: I must congratulate him because he never gave up and he managed to give more than anyone could have thought possible. It also gave me great pleasure to see a great second half of the championship by Felipe, showing we did well to keep him hanging on before we confirmed he would be staying: he has been with us for many years and this end to the season will be very important to him for the start of next year, not just psychologically. We have had extraordinary reliability and this is down to Domenicali and all his men, just as we have been very strong in our strategies and pit stops: it’s hard to find real errors in these areas. We haven’t had a car at the same high level as the top two and we have to improve this. To win races you have to start at the front and to win the championship you have to win races. I want to win the World Championship and I expect a big step forward by the team in terms of organisation, methods and quality of work: if we can give a car that is capable of winning to our drivers then they will do the rest. This year perhaps we suffered a few too many pile-ups but that is a part of the sport and now we must look ahead. I am celebrating 21 years at Ferrari: for me the most important thing is to have always had a team that is united, compact, which works together and takes meticulous care.” <br /> <br /> As for the affair that dominated the days after the end of the championship, Montezemolo was very dry: “Some people cried scandal, or said a bit too much. The story is very simple: we saw some images, some of which were broadcast on all the internet sites, and we received thousands of requests from our fans so we did the simplest and most straightforward thing: we asked the FIA what they thought, telling them we would accept whatever decision they took. I think that is the best way to resolve questions when there are doubts. The FIA replied that in their view Vettel had been given a green flag before the passing move and then we said that for us the discussion was closed: you can’t be any more straightforward than that. I would like to take this chance to congratulate Vettel and Red Bull because they won and we like to congratulate whoever wins, hoping and wishing that next year it can be others who are congratulating us. If anyone says a bit too much then I’m sorry but that’s too bad for them.” <br /> <br /> Asked for an opinion on some of what was seen in the final moments of the season, in particular the ease with which Vettel managed to carry out certain passing moves, the President said this: “I was expecting a slighty different final race on the part of Michael Schumacher because he is a driver with links to Ferrari through some extraordinary moments and with whom we feel very close. As for the rest, I don’t want to make any comment other than to underline that in the past we have been strongly criticised for playing a sensible, necessary, right and open team game. I have always told my drivers that they are not racing for themselves but for Ferrari. Ours is one team, you can see that in the pit stops and you can see it on the track and one of the things I most appreciate about Felipe is the fact that he has always been a team player and I know that Fernando has been one too. We have had criticism for how we apply these team games but it’s up to the public and the spectators to judge these things. I don’t like to create controversy for its own sake: we look ahead and everyone makes their own judgement. The behaviour of Ferrari has always prized the team game and the sport.” <br /> <br /> Montezemolo also looked to the future of Formula 1: “There are things that aren’t going well in this sport and the moment has arrived to clarify these once and for all in the appropriate places. We can no longer have a situation in which the transfer of technology from the track to the street is reduced to the bare minimum, engines and gearboxes are always the same and the aerodynamics no longer has anything to do with research for road cars. Moreover, it cannot be that in this sport you can’t test. We’ve been saying this for a while and we will repeat it in the appropriate places so for the moment I don’t want to add anything else. But our patience has run out so someone needs to think about whether they want Formula 1 still to have companies that invest and consider it the most advanced research bench for its own cars – as Ferrari has always done since 1950. We are constructors, not sponsors: I’m no longer happy that we can’t do testing on tarmac and that you can’t give any chance for young drivers to emerge – since some people have used the expression “It’s a joke” in recent days, I would like to say that this is the real “joke”. Yes, I’m referring to one of Ecclestone’s phrases: my father always taught me that you have to have respect your elders, above all when they reach the point that they can no longer control their words. So I will stop there. Certainly, old age is often incompatible with certain roles and responsibilities.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121202-massa-since-august-i-was-having-fun-again.aspxCheste, 2 December – Felipe Massa is a veteran of the Finali Mondiali, having been part of the Ferrari family since the 2002 season and no way was he going to miss this year’sF1 NewsSun, 02 Dec 2012 18:00:00 GMTmassa,dicember 2012,2012,finali mondiali 2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121202_120158_FM_mas_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121202_120158_FM_mas_260x200.jpgCheste, 2 December – Felipe Massa is a veteran of the Finali Mondiali, having been part of the Ferrari family since the 2002 season and no way was he going to miss this year’s. The umpteenth transatlantic crossing brought Felipe to Europe, just a week after the end of the 2012 Championship and by tonight, the Brazilian will be back on a plane to his native Sao Paolo. “It’s always nice taking part in events like this one,” said Felipe when he met the press at the Cheste circuit. “To see so many Ferraris on track is very exciting, even if it’s definitely not the first time for me!” <br /> <br /> Naturally, Felipe also spoke of the championship that ended last weekend with his second podium finish of the season, coming in front of his home crowd. “In the first half of the year, I was worried about renewing my contract,” he said. I did not think that Ferrari would really wait right to the end of the summer before deciding on the driver line-up for next year. It’s true that ever since I’ve been at Maranello, there have always been rumours about me: already in my first year there was a list of drivers who were supposed to take my place and it was the same this year, with a lot of names and plenty of speculation. At the start, I paid too much attention to these things, but then, in August, I told myself I should only think about racing and having fun and so I began to really drive, to have the right feeling with the car and to drive as quickly as I know how. Now I feel very strong and the results were there to see in the last nine races: so I am optimistic for the future, mine and Ferrari’s.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121202-alonso-a-season-with-some-unforgettable-moments.aspxCheste, 2 December – Just eight days after the end of the longest ever Formula 1 season, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa have been back on trackF1 NewsSun, 02 Dec 2012 16:30:00 GMTalonso,dicember 2012,2012,finali mondiali 2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121202_120159_FM_alo_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121202_120159_FM_alo_260x200.jpgCheste, 2 December – Just eight days after the end of the longest ever Formula 1 season, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa have been back on track. However, this time the task was very different in terms of its intensity and tension to that of Interlagos. In Brazil, Fernando was in the hunt right to the final few metres for what would have been a well deserved third Drivers’ title, while the Scuderia managed to take a great second place in the Constructors’ classification. Today, it was all a much more festive mood as the two drivers were at the “Ricardo Tormo” circuit at Cheste, on the outskirts of Valencia, along with hundreds of Ferrari owners who had made the trip to Spain for the traditional end of season Finali Mondiali. <br /> <br /> “ Today’s event was also Alonso’s first opportunity to calmly sum up the season just ended. “I am happy with the way things went,” said the Spanish champion. “In the end, we lost the title by three points, however I did the best season of my life and now I can only think of the year to come. It was a miracle to see, race after race, what we managed to achieve: we definitely did not lose the title in Brazil; that happened in Spa and Suzuka. Next year, we will try and improve the car, trying to start further up the grid, thus avoiding accidents. Let’s hope we also have a bit more luck… <br /> <br /> “I think in terms of strategy, pit stops, starts, reliability, this has been a perfect year,” continued Fernando. “We all agree the one thing lacking was the car, which meant we could not match the best teams for most of the year. It’s the only thing we need to improve, but it’s also true that it’s the hardest thing to do. With all the difficulties we had, I’m thinking for example of how far behind we were in winter testing, to be able to fight right to the very end for the title means we are a great team.” <br /> <br /> Obviously, Alonso also spoke about the incident when Vettel passed Vergne, which was headline news for several days immediately after the Brazilian Grand Prix. “There were a lot of video clips on the Internet and we knew our fans were asking for an explanation and so it was right for Ferrari to turn to the Federation for a clarification. We got a reply and I think everything has now calmed down. I did not pay much attention to all the uproar this incident caused, but I felt we owed our fans an answer. Frankly, I’m not that interested in what the opinion is of me in Germany or elsewhere. What I know is that people who see me in the streets hug me and call me gladiator or samurai. What matters to me are the 1200 people in the Ferrari family, who gave me a standing ovation at a dinner. This has been a spectacular year, hard to forget, with moments that will never be repeated like the win in Valencia or in Malaysia. Ever since I’ve been at Ferrari, I think I have grown a lot, especially this last year. Before, the people had a more or less good opinion of me, but now I notice a whole different level of respect. And then, to be one of the greats of Formula 1, it’s not enough to win titles, you must also tackle seasons like the one just ended. Next year? I hope to score three or four point more.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/fan/events/Pages/finali-mondiali-ferrari-2012.aspxValencia, 2 December 2012 – An unforgettable moment for the members of our Community: several minutes just the two Scuderia Ferrari drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa and the 6 fans invited to ValenciaF1 NewsSun, 02 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari community 2012,finali mondiali ferrari 2012,events/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121203_fm_120221_fm_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121203_fm_120221_fm_260x200.jpgValencia, 2 December 2012 – An unforgettable moment for the members of our Community: several minutes just the two Scuderia Ferrari drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa and the 6 fans invited to Valencia, the Ferrarif1.com Community premium members. <br /> <br /> At this exclusive meeting they had the possibility to ask questions, get caps and shirts signed and posed for a group photo. A truly unique moment for the fans and their idols, who, one week ago, where still fighting for the Championship at the Formula 1 GP in Brazil. <br /> <br /> The day at the Ricardo Tormo circuit started pretty early: the Community members waited to enter the restricted area of the Scuderia. And while hundreds of fans were waiting for the drivers, our Community members entered the area of the Formula 1 motorhome and waited for the drivers, arriving just for them. After the meeting and the group photo the guests went on to watch the races of the F1 clients, the GTs and the show with the Formula 1 single-seaters, driven by Fernando, Felipe and the other Scuderia Ferrari drivers. <br /> <br /> Our friends had an incredibly good time and “tasted” the exciting feeling at the track right at the pit wall. After the 60 minutes of the race the guests had another unforgettable moment waiting for them: a hot lap in a 458 Italia with Marc Genè or Gimmi Bruni, 2012 WEC World Champion with Ferrari in the GTE Pro category. <br /> <br /> One thing is for sure: the fans were absolutely thrilled! <br /> <br /> So we’ll see you soon at other truly unique events organized by the Community!http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121130-f1-domenicali.aspxMadrid, 30 November – The appointment had been fixed a while ago, but Stefano Domenicali’s participation at a Forum run by Spanish papers, Marca and El MundoF1 NewsFri, 30 Nov 2012 18:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,domenicali,alonso,massa,2012,november 2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121117_domenicali_120027usa_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121117_domenicali_120027usa_260x200.jpgMadrid, 30 November – The appointment had been fixed a while ago, but Stefano Domenicali’s participation at a Forum run by Spanish papers, Marca and El Mundo was also the first opportunity for an immediate comment on how the incident when Vettel passed Vergne at the Brazilian Grand Prix ended, after it had kicked up a lot of dust in the days immediately after the race. <br /> <br /> “It was incumbent on us to ask the Federation for a clarification, given everything that was going round on the Internet,” said Domenicali. “We had no intention of belittling the merit of the title winner, but it was right to have the matter completely cleared up. The FIA has replied and we have noted their answer and now consider the matter to be closed.” <br /> <br /> “It was an incredible season and I believe Fernando really deserved the title,” continued the Scuderia’s Team Principal. “I’m not just saying that because he is one of our drivers, because I share that opinion with the great majority of his colleagues and observers. What was missing? A quicker car and a bit of luck, given he pretty much did two races less than his competitors. Now, it’s down to us to give him and his team-mate Felipe Massa, who was great in the second part of the season, not just in terms of his results, but also as a team player, a better car, especially for qualifying. I’d score Fernando’s season a 10: he is a fantastic driver, who combines his amazing talent with our group of people, protective when he needs to be and pushing in the right direction when things are not going as they should. It’s a privilege to have him as part of our team. Yes, it’s now been two out of three times that we have ended up losing the title at the last race and that is hard, like a boxer getting a punch in the guts, but we are reacting and I can tell you that in Maranello, there is a great desire to win a return match. Next year, we want to win and to be the best.” <br /> <br /> “In order to succeed in a complex sport like Formula 1, it’s not enough just to have a quick car: you also need to have the best driver and we have that, but you also need reliability, and be the best in terms of strategy, work during the pit stops and also a little bit of luck. In the championship that’s just ended, we definitely had the best driver, the best reliability and a level of excellence when it comes to the work on the pit wall and during the pit stops. What was lacking was the car, despite the fact we staged a recovery after the very complicated start. We also lacked a bit of luck, especially with the incidents at Spa and Suzuka. That’s why I’d give Ferrari a 7, however, I want to say I am proud, as is President Montezemolo, of the work we have done. Next year, we must try and improve in those areas where we don’t match the best, but at the same time, maintain our strong points.” <br /> <br /> Domenicali also chose to reply in no uncertain terms to a question about all the politics, the very latest example being the one about the yellow and green flags, that has characterised the season. “It’s always difficult to understand where the limits are in a sport like Formula 1, especially on the technical front. However, one thing is certain; if one doesn’t trust the referees in sport, in this case the FIA, then it’s better to do something else.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121129-ferrari-takes-note-of-the-fia-s-opinion.aspxMaranello, 30 November – The request for a clarification from the FIA, regarding Vettel’s passing move on Vergne, came about through the need to shed light on the circumstances of the moveF1 NewsFri, 30 Nov 2012 11:00:00 GMT2012,fia,scuderia ferrari,november 2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121130_alonso_120074_bra_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121130_alonso_120074_bra_260x200.jpgMaranello, 30 November – The request for a clarification from the FIA, regarding Vettel’s passing move on Vergne, came about through the need to shed light on the circumstances of the move, which came out on the Internet only a few days after the race. The letter to the FIA was in no way intended to undermine the legality of the race result. We received tens of thousands of queries relating to this matter from all over the world and it was incumbent on us to take the matter further, asking the Federation to look into an incident that could have cast a shadow over the championship in the eyes of all Formula 1 enthusiasts, not just Ferrari fans. <br /> <br /> Ferrari duly takes note of the reply sent by the FIA this morning and therefore considers the matter now closed.http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121129-montezemolo-a-car-capable-of-winning-right-from-the-start-in-2013.aspxMaranello, 29 November –At midday today, everyone was in the pavilion behind Ferrari’s Centro Sviluppo Prodotti (Product Development Centre.) All the men and women of the Scuderia F1 NewsThu, 29 Nov 2012 18:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,luca di montezemolo,november 2012,2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121129_montezemolo_120061_ita_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121129_montezemolo_120061_ita_260x200.jpgMaranello, 29 November –At midday today, everyone was in the pavilion behind Ferrari’s Centro Sviluppo Prodotti (Product Development Centre.) All the men and women of the Scuderia had gathered to hear the words of President Luca di Montezemolo, who wanted to address the team at the end of a long and closely contested season. Having to comment on two second places – Fernando Alonso in the Drivers’ championship and the team in the one for Constructors – is never easy, especially when winning is in one’s DNA, a fact underlined by Montezemolo. “You should be proud of what you have done,” he said, “because you managed to be contenders right to the very end, even if we did not have the quickest car. There were at least two cars, the McLaren and the Red Bull, that were better than ours. Therefore having managed to get ahead of at least one of them in the Constructors’ and keeping Fernando in the fight right to the end, was very significant and I wish to thank you for that. We managed it mainly because of our incredible reliability, the work from the pit wall and during the pit stops and in the way we reacted after a very difficult start.” <br /> <br /> “However, now is the time to look ahead to next year,” continued Montezemolo. “I want us to start with a car that is immediately capable of fighting for the win and it has to be our first task. In order to achieve that, each one of us must improve in our own roles by at least a millimeter. We must revamp our organization and our working methods to try and be at the same level as the best, right from the first race, which for too many years now we have failed to do.”http://www.ferrari.com/english/formula1/news/headlines/Pages/121129-ferrari-asks-the-fia-for-a-clarification.aspxMaranello, 29 November, - Ferrari has asked, by means of a letter, for a clarification from FIA regarding Sebastian Vettel's overtaking move on Jean-Eric Vergne, during lap 4 of the Brazilian Grand Prix. F1 NewsThu, 29 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMTscuderia ferrari,november 2012,2012/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121129_alonso_120080_bra_260x200_130x86.jpg/Site_Collection_Image_260x200/121129_alonso_120080_bra_260x200.jpgMaranello, 29 November - Ferrari has asked, by means of a letter, for a clarification from FIA regarding Sebastian Vettel's overtaking move on Jean-Eric Vergne, during lap 4 of the Brazilian Grand Prix.