Martinelli: 052 a Completely New Engine

The new Ferrari 052 engine that will power the Italian squad's new car in 2003 is a completely new unit although it is based on the successful 051, according to Ferrari's director of the engine department Paolo Martinelli.

"The new engine is an evolution of technological experience, combined with the technical abilities of the Ferrari engine specialists," said Martinelli at the launch of the F2003-GA in Maranello.

"Its starting point is an evolution of our 051 engine: but it is completely new, from top to bottom and all its parts will be developed right through to the penultimate Sunday in October to reach our targets in the 2003 Championship."

Martinelli said that the design team have worked hard to ensure that the new power unit is as reliable as last year's engine.

The 051 engine, combined with the F2002 chassis that was introduced at the Brazilian Grand Prix - the third round of the Championship - allowed Michael Schumacher to finish every race of the season in the top three.

Martinelli said that despite taking good care of reliability, the new engine will not be short on power.

"As usual, we will not disclose a horsepower figure," he added, "but rest assured, that once again this year, all the Ferrari engine specialists will work in methodical and determined fashion to provide 'sufficient' horsepower, delivered in a 'useable' and 'reliable' fashion to reach our goals in the championship."