Ferrari Shifting Focus To 2012 Car
#1
08-23-2011, 01:03 PM
Ferrari Shifting Focus To 2012 Car
Ferrari Focusing Solely On 2012 Car
Text And Photo By Dana Larkin
As the F1 season enters its 12th round in Belgium this weekend, Ferrari has chosen to end development of its 2011 car and focus its attention on its 2012 offering.
Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has stated that development of the 2011 car is "almost at the end of the road" and that the team is switching its attention to a "very innovative" 2012 contender.
But that doesn't mean that Ferrari will stop seeking victories in 2011. "Our realistic goal for the remaining eight grands prix is to win races, to score as many points as possible," Domenicali told the Ferrari company website. "I am sure we can achieve good results, but we should avoid looking at the classification, because we know the championship will be very difficult given the current gap, but let's see where it is in a few races. We have the potential to do well and we have to believe in ourselves. In terms of the development of the 150º Italia, we are almost at the end of the road but this does not mean that work on this year's car has come to a complete halt, but as of now, we are working full throttle on the 2012 car."
Despite the 2011 car's weaknesses, Domencali is confident that a lot has been learned this year that can benefit the 2012 challenger. Nevertheless, Ferrari does intend to think outside the box for its upcoming car. "As far as next year's regulations are concerned, apart from rules regarding the exhaust system, there are not many changes, therefore the new cars can be described as a development of the 2011 car," he said. "However, what I can say, having seen the model in the wind tunnel and the work going on in the drawing office, is that it will be a very innovative machine. In fact, this is to be expected, this is necessary given that our first goal is that, in 2012, we must be competitive right from the very start of the season."
#2
08-23-2011, 01:37 PM
If Ferrari shifts focus to their 2012 car now while McLaren keeps battling for the title this year, that could spell trouble for McLaren when they fail to beat Red Bull this year and then lose out to Ferrari next year.
On the other hand, I still don't think Ferrari will be able to stop the Red Bull juggernaut next year either.
On the other hand, I still don't think Ferrari will be able to stop the Red Bull juggernaut next year either.
#9
08-27-2011, 02:37 AM
RB wouldn't be too happy. We'll also throw in the California and a years worth of Italian food. Sounds good to me....