Ferrari Unveils The F60 – 2009 F1 Season Contender

Ferrari has taken the covers off its 2009 Formula 1 contender – the F60. Ferrari revealed their latest F1 weapon to the world at the Mugello race track in Italy. The F60 is the fifty fifth F1 single seater built by Ferrari, and will be used by Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen to defend Ferrari’s 2008 Formula One World Championship Manufacturers’ title.

The F60 project (code named 660) has taken into account numerous regulation changes that take effect for the 2009 racing season. Aerodynamics have been revised by the OWG (Overtaking Working Group,) set up by the FIA in collaboration with the teams to produce a set of rules aimed at encouraging more overtaking on track.

The result is a front wing that has a neutral central profile, common to all team’s cars and a flap that can controlled by the driver. The F60’s bodywork can no longer carry the slotted apertures that had characterised the Ferrari cars over the past few years.

The rear wing is now higher and narrower than in the past, and the diffuser has been moved rearward. The combination of changes required to meet the new regulations has led the initial design phase down radically different routes when it came to the side pods and protection components: the apertures have been reduced in size and moved rearward, while the upper and rear elements are larger to aid the exit of air.

The suspension system and the whole layout of the car have been redesigned in the light of the new rules in order to achieve the correct weight distribution and also to deal with the reintroduction of slick tyres for the 2009 season.

Another significant change for ’09 is the possibility of using a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS). The KERS on the F60 was designed by Ferrari in collaboration with Magneti Marelli and is centrally mounted on the engine under the rear part of the chassis.

The F60’s transmission has been redesigned to optimise the aerodynamic efficiency of the car. The gearbox casing continues to be of carbon construction, is positioned longitudinally and is fitted with a speed shifter. The F60 also benefits from a new braking system, with callipers designed by Brembo.

In an effort to reduce the cost of competing in the 2009 F1 season, FIA and FOTA (Formula One Teams Association) have worked to introduce changes designed to save the teams money. The new rules include only allowing teams to use eight engines over the course of the 17 race series.

In keeping with these changes, Ferrari has modified its race engines to rev to the maximum allowable 18,000rpm only, and will seek to obtain a 2,500km operational life from each unit. Changes include modifications to the inlet trumpets, the position of the injectors and the configuration of the exhausts.

Shell is continuing to play its role in the partnership with Ferrari, by providing lubricants that will ensure the reliability of Ferrari’s engines for the new season.

[Gallery=833]