Although the Formula One rules for 2013 remain virtually unchanged, a revolution is on the cards for 2014 and bidding to win this season’s world title while developing a car for next year’s new turbo era will be the biggest challenge for Ferrari according to team principal Stefano Domenicali.
Speaking during the Wrooom media junket in the Italian Dolomites, Domenicali said, “The 2013 season will be a complex one from many points of view. 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.”
Late last year Domenciali announced the formation two separate working groups to operate as effectively as possible on both the immediate programme and longer term project, with the goal of ensuring the best possible balance between the design and development of the 2013 and 2014 cars.
But the issue of being competitive this year looms large, in the aftermath of a year where the Maranello squad had to make do with a significantly under performing F2012, and in the end lost the development race to Red Bull who went on to become champions for a third time in a row.
“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,” Domenicali assured the assembled press corps.
He added, “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.”
Earlier in the day Domenicali confirmed that the 2013 car would be revealed at a function in Maranello on 1 February, before being transported to Jerez for the first of three pre-season tests in Spain. (GP247)
Subbed by AJN.