Ferrari's A1GP car for next years series

[FourWheelDrift]

Actually looks quite nice. Compared to the current car.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/67377

Autosport said:

A1GP have revealed the first image of the new Ferrari-designed car that will be introduced to the series for the start of next season in September.

The CAD drawing was released by series organisers as the 600bhp V8 is due to be given its first shakedown, by former grand prix driver, and A1GP commentator, John Watson on Friday.

The chassis is based on the F1 world championship-winning Ferrari F2004, but incorporates features intended to to allow overtaking and close racing, as with the previous A1GP car.

The design of the chassis was overseen by Rory Byrne, who designed the F2004, and A1GP technical director John Travis, while renowned Ferrari engine man Jean-Jacques His was responsible for the power unit.

A1GP chairman Tony Teixeira has been pleased by the progress of development with the new car, and hopes to unveil the new machine in the coming weeks.

"Everyone is very excited abut this project and it will be fantastic to see the new A1GP Ferrari turn a wheel for the first time," he said.

"We obviously still have a lot of work to do as this is just the first step in what will be an intense development and testing programme, but I'm very happy with the progress made so far. We're lucky to be able to use some well-known motor racing companies for certain areas of expertise.

"I'm pleased to say we're on schedule and we'll be announcing the date of the official unveiling of the car soon."

Edited by FourWheelDrift on Monday 12th May 22:36

[GravelBen]

Just looks like a generic F1 car...think I prefer the current A1GP car personally.

[mchammer89]

I definitely prefer it to the current F1 cars, might have to start watching A1.

[carbonfootprint]

Looks like McLaren orange + a little bit of MP4-20.

I.P theft anyone?

[10 Pence Short]

Hmm. A 2004 Ferrari, just with less aero. 2009 F1 rules = much less aero.

Of course I'm not suggesting the design is influenced to allow sly use of the wind tunnel beyond those hours allowed for F1 design work.

[sniff petrol]

10 Pence Short said:

Hmm. A 2004 Ferrari, just with less aero. 2009 F1 rules = much less aero.

Of course I'm not suggesting the design is influenced to allow sly use of the wind tunnel beyond those hours allowed for F1 design work.

You lot are so cynical - but I fear that may be correct.

[G0ldfysh]

Hmm a one make series where only Ferrari can win.

It's like FIA has all their wet dreams come true at once, hmm well apart from Max.

[BoRED S2upid]

So let me get this straight this Ferrari Designed car is going to be the only chassis for A1 GP in the future? Every team will be using this and tweaking it to suit their requirements / drivers?.

It does seem that Ferrari have the FIA in their pocket. Single tyre manufacturer in F1, Ferrari use Bridgestone everyone else uses Michilen so the whole field will use Bridgestone. Single make series Ferrari to make the Chassis. Great if your a Ferrari fan.

[kevin ritson]

I hope they have played with the aero - I remember an interview with Jenson Button at the end of the 2004 season where he said that the Ferrari generated a lot more turbulence than the other cars, making it very difficult to overtake.

Apparently Olivier Panis has been told the car is nine seconds quicker per lap (at which circuit he hasn't said), which says a lot about the old chassis, itself based on a 1999 Lola F3000 car.

Edited by kevin ritson on Tuesday 13th May 10:13

[MrKipling43]

BoRED S2upid said:

So let me get this straight this Ferrari Designed car is going to be the only chassis for A1 GP in the future? Every team will be using this and tweaking it to suit their requirements / drivers?.

I don't think A1GP is an FIA championship.

[andyps]

MrKipling43 said:

BoRED S2upid said:

So let me get this straight this Ferrari Designed car is going to be the only chassis for A1 GP in the future? Every team will be using this and tweaking it to suit their requirements / drivers?.

I don't think A1GP is an FIA championship.

I know the source can't always be trusted but:

Wikipedia said:

The series is ratified and regulated by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), and races (collectively known as A1GP World Cup of Motorsport) are held in the traditional Formula One off season

I also wonder how many hours will be spent in the wind tunnel by Ferrari refining the design of a car which bears a passing resemblance to the 2009 spec F1 car for which F1 teams are facing wind tunnel test time restrictions....

[MrKipling43]

andyps said:

I know the source can't always be trusted but:

Wikipedia said:

The series is ratified and regulated by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), and races (collectively known as A1GP World Cup of Motorsport) are held in the traditional Formula One off season

I also wonder how many hours will be spent in the wind tunnel by Ferrari refining the design of a car which bears a passing resemblance to the 2009 spec F1 car for which F1 teams are facing wind tunnel test time restrictions....

http://www.fia.com/sport/Championships/2008.html

Doesn't appear in their list of championships

[FourWheelDrift]

MrKipling43 said:

andyps said:

I know the source can't always be trusted but:

Wikipedia said:

The series is ratified and regulated by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), and races (collectively known as A1GP World Cup of Motorsport) are held in the traditional Formula One off season

I also wonder how many hours will be spent in the wind tunnel by Ferrari refining the design of a car which bears a passing resemblance to the 2009 spec F1 car for which F1 teams are facing wind tunnel test time restrictions....

http://www.fia.com/sport/Championships/2008.html

Doesn't appear in their list of championships

I think the correct wording would be FIA approved world championship.

[MrKipling43]

FourWheelDrift said:

I think the correct wording would be FIA approved world championship.

Rather than regulated...

[telecat]

Personally I'd have thought using a "difficult" old F1 design like last years Honda would have made more sense.