Costa: 248 F1 a totally new car

The team admitted that, following their disappointing performance during the 2005 season, they already began to focus on the design and development of the new car, which Costa says has little in common with last season's F2005.

The design of the 248 F1 has also been influenced by the introduction of V8 engines.

"It was mainly to do with the V8 engine and we imposed a radical change from both a mechanical and aerodynamic point of view," said Costa. "The aerodynamics are still at a preliminary stage and will be until the first race of the season.

"As regards the chassis, this is totally new, above all in the centre section. We decided on this in order to optimise the weight distribution and lighten the entire structure. The same goes for the suspension, especially in the completely redesigned rear end.

"The transmission too is all new and also the differential. In building these two new elements in particular, we had to pay close attention to the characteristics of the V8. The greater vibrations generated by the engine brought more initial problems."

The 248 F1 is the first car Costa is entirely responsible for, having taken over from South African Rory Byrne at the helm of the design team.