Ferrari plan major upgrade for Imola

Even though the 248 F1 has proved to be a match for the pace-setting Renault on occasion, Ferrari have chosen to implement an aggressive development programme to lift the pace of their car in time for Imola.

Although the exact details of the changes have not been confirmed, it is understood that they include a new aerodynamic package, revised suspension and upgrades to their engine.

Technical director Ross Brawn revealed the plans for the upgrade in Melbourne on Friday. The team plan to begin testing the parts at Vallelunga next week before running the full package at Barcelona the following week.

"There is quite a good development programme being put together and Imola will be the first stage," explained Brawn. "I think it will be quite a good step forward for us, both aerodynamically and mechanically.

"We have some new suspension systems that we are trying over the next few tests. We were hoping to do the first test at Fiorano (last week) but with the weather we did not get to evaluate the modifications, but they will be tried next week in Vallelunga and the week after in Barcelona.

"There are quite a lot of mechanical developments going on and I must say the aero group are doing a great job this year. There are some nice improvements coming for Imola on the aero side and I know there are some further improvements coming for the races after that."

Brawn also said he was confident that tyre supplier Bridgestone were making progress, especially with the extra input of Toyota and Williams who switched to the Japanese tyre manufacturer this year.

"The tyres are going to be vital," he said. "With the contribution that the other teams are making, we can see the tyre is perhaps going forward a little bit quicker than it was before."

The only major hurdle Ferrari are still facing is in getting on top of their engine situation, with the team still admitting they have not got to the bottom of the piston problems that have marred the start of their campaign.

That means they cannot pursue power developments on the engine until they are sure it is reliable.

Brawn said: "The problems with the engine have put our development programme on the engine on hold. There are some changes to the engine coming as well, but we need to stabilise the situation with the engine before we think we can introduce the changes.