Byrne Outlines F2004 Changes

Conducted and provided by Ferrari's press office.

Rory Byrne, Ferrari's chief designer:

Although the fundamental design philosophy of the F2004 is the same as its predecessors, in terms of optimising aerodynamic efficiency, lowering of centre of gravity height and maximising performance available from the Bridgestone tyres and 053 engine, every area of the car has been revised in order to make a further step forward on performance, so almost every component has been redesigned.

In addition all the systems have been reviewed to maximise performance and service ability with the new race week-end timetable and procedures.

To summarise, there have been less fundamental but more detailed changes made. I will explain in more detail:

1. Aerodynamics

The engine cover and rear wing assembly have had to be fundamentally revised to comply with the new 2004 regulations. In order to continue to make a step forward in aerodynamic performance, every area affecting the aerodynamics has been further developed and many new components will be introduced during our test programme in February so the car we will race in Melbourne will look different in many areas to the one you see here.

2. Transmission

A new approach to the use of materials for the gearbox casing and the rear crash structure has resulted in a considerable weight saving. The transmission internals are a development of F2003GA with many detailed refinements including a further optimisation of gear profile and lubrication system.

3. Chassis

Although there are no fundamental changes to the chassis construction, it is completely new in terms of shape, which is a result of the car's aerodynamic requirements.

4. Suspension and Steering

There are refinements to the power steering system to improve assistance and driver feel. Another year of close collaboration with Bridgestone has improved our understanding of the interaction of track surface, tyre and car, and enabled us to make more detailed refinements to the suspension to optimise performance more specifically for each circuit. Almost all of the components have been redesigned and some have manufactured using new materials and methods to optimise structural efficiency and save weight.

5. Systems

New regulations requiring manual starts and gear shifting as well as the requirement to send information to the new FIA data acquisition system have required an extensive revision to the electronic hardware and software. The water system as well as engine, transmission and hydraulic oil systems have again been substantially revised for improved efficiency and suit new engine requirements.