Ferrari F2001 Unveiled at Fiorano

In front of more than 1500 people, the Ferrari team unveiled their new 2001 challenger on Monday at the Fiorano circuit in Italy.

The F2001, as the new car would be finally called, differs substantially from that of previous cars due to the modifications called for by the new FIA technical regulations to improve safety, according to the team. The car also includes the new 050 engine, as well a sequential electro-hydraulic 7-speed gearbox in pre-machined and welded titanium.

The legendary Italian team expect the new F2001 will allow them to repeat last season's success, when they finally ended a 21-year wait by clinching both the drivers' and the constructors' titles.

Speaking at the launch, Ferrari's sporting director Jean Todt said: "The F2001 has a new engine - the 050 - which is an evolution of the 049 and we have tried to improve the car in all areas - chassis and engine - in line with the new FIA regulations."

Rory Byrne, the team's chief designer, explained the technical specifications of the new F2001: "The aerodynamics have been optimised according to the new rules for 2001, since the changes this year are more significant than those of 1998. There have been developements in all areas, but especially in the front wing.

"The new engine has been completely re-designed, as well as the front and rear suspensions in order to maximise the use of the Bridgestone tyres."

Ferrari president Luca de Montezemolo said that he will do everything in his power to keep the title-winning team together.

"In order to win next season we need the material and the equipment and the technology that we have got," said Montezemolo, whose comments come after rumours that sporting director Jean Todt and technical director Ross Brawn are to leave the team.

"We need motivations and the means to win and we have got them. We need technical partners and sponsors and we have got them. And we need the top drivers in the world and we have got them.

"So what is missing, is someone going to leave? There has been so much trouble putting together this team I am not going to allow it to come apart. Ferrari will remain as such for many years to come. We are all Jean Todt's team and we are going to remain as such."

German Michael Schumacher, who secured his third world title last year, admitted that he is more hungry then ever to hang onto his world title and keep Ferrari at the head of the Formula One grid.

Schumacher said: "Winning the world championship is something special especially thanks to the 'Tifosi'. You might think I could have lost motivation but I want Ferrari to be number one for many years and this is why we will be fighting."

The F2001 will run for the first time at Fiorano over the next few days with Michael Schumacher driving. The initial development will take place at this track and at Vairano and Mugello. In the meantime, we will continue to run the F1-2000 at Barcelona from 1st to 3rd February with Rubens Barrichello.

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Reuters images from today's launch: &url=4sq9407u"> Michael Schumacher During the Presentation of the New Ferrari &url=4sq9407p"> Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello Present New Ferrari &url=4sq9407c"> New Ferrari F1 Car is Presented in Maranello &url=4sq94079"> Rubens Barrichello During the Presentation of New Ferrari &url=4sq9406o"> Michael Schumacher Unveils New Ferrari F1 Car (1) &url=4sq9406k"> Michael Schumacher Unveils New Ferrari F1 Car (2) &url=4sq9406h"> Michael Schumacher Unveils New Ferrari F1 Car (3) ------

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