Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro News

Schumacher – a competitor to beat

Maranello, 23 December 2009 – Ferrari fans all over the world received the news today of Schumacher having signed a contract with Mercedes GP and flooded the Ferrari website requesting an opinion regarding the matter. “What we have to say regarding Schumacher has been said by Chairman Montezemolo last week on the occasion of the traditional well-wishing with the Italian and international press,” a Scuderia spokesman said. “We’re giving our warm wishes to Michael: as of today he is our competitor and we’ll give it our all to beat him as we do with all the others.”

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Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro News

Virtual F1 explained. An interview with Marco Fainello

In the Formula 1 of the future, the use of simulation techniques will become ever more important and so, after many years working with the FIAT Research Centre, Ferrari chose to take the very important step of building a simulator based on a specification that places it at the cutting edge in this area.

To get a better understanding of the subject, www.ferrari.com brings you an exclusive interview with Marco Fainello, Head of Vehicle Performance and the design of the simulator.

Can you start by explaining what exactly is a simulator?

“Basically, it consists of a Formula 1 car cockpit, surrounded by images that a driver would see if he was at the wheel of a real car, including what can be seen in the rear view mirrors. The cockpit, fitted with identical controls (pedals, steering wheel and so on) as used on track, is mounted on a platform which transmits signals from electronically controlled actuators, which can reproduce every possible movement in all directions, thus putting together everything a driver could feel if in a car. It is impossible to exactly reproduce every movement of the real car because that would require a space as big as a real race track: therefore techniques are used to select and replicate some of these movements in a way that is compatible with the space available and that are also useful in terms of getting the driver to experience some of the sensations he would feel on a track.”

What does the driver see when he is in the cockpit?

The track is replicated on a specific computer that uses a faithful 3D reproduction, including objects found at the side of the track and in the background, the track itself, it’s characteristics in terms of kerbs, and the actual track surface. Furthermore we have imaged data relative to the position of the sun and shadows that this creates and we can modify some external parameters, such as air and track temperature, as well as wind direction and strength.”

What is the real scope of a simulator?

No driving simulator is capable of reproducing the real feeling that a driver experiences in a car: the sensitivity of human beings and expert drivers such as those in Formula 1, is too high to create the impression of being in a real car, when driving on a non-straight course while sitting in a room. Nevertheless, simulators can provide some sensations (visual, forces, movement, vibration, noise) which in some areas are identical, in others are similar or in others still, are different but close enough to real ones. This means it is possible to drive a model of a virtual vehicle, experiencing sensations that can be referenced to a real one. With a sufficiently experienced driver and engineers, who analyse the results, it is possible for a simulator test to produce data useful to the development of the car and in terms of how the driver interacts with the handling and the controls on the vehicle. All of these elements come together with the advantage of being able to carry out various tests in total safety, reducing costs in terms of logistics and equipment, saving time and without being at the whim of the weather, which can be set and maintained to whatever one wants. Finally, with similar results, the simulator reduces the effect on the environment, compared to a real test, using much less energy than if the same tests had been carried out on track.”

Can one say that the simulator can totally replace on-track development?

Driving simulators can definitely not replace real track testing, but like many other calculator-based methods and test benches (in fact, this piece of equipment is a mix of both these methods) it can contribute to the design and development process for new parts that can be used on the car, thus reducing costs and saving time.”

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Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro News

New Ferrari simulator makes its debut

Maranello, 22 December - Scuderia Ferrari's new simulator was unveiled today at Maranello. The ceremony took place in the structure built to accommodate the new machine, within the Gestione Sportiva, in the presence of Ferrari CEO, Amedeo Felisa and the Scuderia Team Principal, Stefano Domenicali.

"It's an important day for us as the completion of this project means we will now be able to tackle with confidence some of the challenges that make up modern-day Formula 1, while putting Ferrari at the cutting edge in terms of this technology," said Domenicali. "Furthermore, I am pleased that such a complex project as this, which got underway around two years ago, has been completed on schedule thanks to the efforts of all those who worked on it."

The first virtual laps at the wheel of the simulator were driven by Andrea Bertolini, who worked with the Prancing Horse engineers on the development of the project, having gained a great deal of experience over the past few years, working on the simulator at the FIAT Research Centre.

The Ferrari simulator, built with the technical support of Moog, consists of an aluminium and composite structure in which are fitted the cockpit and the equipment which produces the images and sound. The platform weighs around two tonnes and is fitted with electronically controlled actuators that way around half a tonne each. The whole structure is fitted on a specially designed and built base, weighing two hundred tons. The whole is controlled by ten multiprocessor calculators with a total memory of over 60 GB of RAM: the amount of data that can be produced is around 5GB per day. It features a Dolby Surround 7.1 sound system, putting out 3500 W. The installation required over ten kilometres of cabling and power output is around 130 kW. The simulator is housed in a building measuring around 180 square metres, on two floors, which includes the control room. The platform covers a surface area of around eight metres wide by the same length and is six metres high. The driver is installed in front of five displays, which give a total viewing angle in excess of 180°

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Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro News

Montezemolo: “Alonso, the right driver at the right time”

Maranello, 18 December – The biggest change for Ferrari in 2010 is definitely Fernando Alonso in the driver line-up alongside Felipe Massa. “We have been watching him since 2007 and Domenicali discussed it with me this summer,” recounted Montezemolo, addressing journalists at the Christmas dinner. “He is an extremely talented driver, quick and good at working with a team, while being totally focussed on winning. I think he is coming to Ferrari at just the right time in his career. We had already reached an agreement for 2011, when both our drivers’ contracts would have expired. Then, we realised that our team needed a driver capable of really getting involved with the engineers, a characteristic that was not part of Kimi’s genetic make-up, even though he is an amazingly talented guy. Then came Felipe’s unexpected accident and, before taking a decision, we needed to know what his prospects were. Once we were certain he was fine, then in light of what was going on at Renault, we decided to try and bring Alonso on board a year ahead of schedule. Let’s make one thing clear, we were very happy with everything Kimi did for Ferrari during his time at Maranello: he won the world championship in his first year and played a vital part in our taking the Constructors’ title in his second year, while in this difficult season he at least managed to secure us one victory.

However, we were aware that something else was needed for the way we operate and therefore, we opted for Alonso. The role of Santander? Certainly, they are happy, but it is not the sponsors that choose the drivers: we have never operated like that and we never will.”

2010 FIA Formula One World Championship Race Calendar

01. 2010 FORMULA 1 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX (Sakhir) 12 - 14 Mar

02. 2010 FORMULA 1 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX (Melbourne) 26 - 28 Mar

03. 2010 FORMULA 1 MALAYSIAN GRAND PRIX (Kuala Lumpur) 02 - 04 Apr

04. 2010 FORMULA 1 CHINESE GRAND PRIX (Shanghai) 16 - 18 Apr

05. FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE ESPANA 2010 (Catalunya) 07 - 09 May

06. FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2010 (Monte Carlo) 13 - 16 May

07. 2010 FORMULA 1 TURKISH GRAND PRIX (Istanbul) 28 - 30 May

08. FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA 2010 (Montreal) 11 - 13 Jun

09. 2010 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE (Valencia) 25 - 27 Jun

10. 2010 FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX (Silverstone) 09 - 11 Jul

11. FORMULA 1 GROSSER PREIS VON DEUTSCHLAND 2010 (Hockenheim) 23 - 25 Jul

12. FORMULA 1 ING MAGYAR NAGYDIJ 2010 (Budapest) 30 Jul - 01 Aug

13. 2010 FORMULA 1 BELGIAN GRAND PRIX (Spa-Francorchamps) 27 - 29 Aug

14. FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO D'ITALIA 2010 (Monza) 10 - 12 Sep

15. 2010 FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX (Singapore) 24 - 26 Sep

16. 2010 FORMULA 1 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX (Suzuka) 08 - 10 Oct

17. 2010 FORMULA 1 KOREAN GRAND PRIX (Yeongam) 22 - 24 Oct

18. FORMULA 1 GRANDE PREMIO DO BRASIL 2010 (Sao Paulo) 05 - 07 Nov

19. 2010 FORMULA 1 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX (Yas Marina Circuit) 12 - 14 Nov

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2009 FIA Formula 1 World Championship Drivers

1. Jenson Button (British) Brawn-Mercedes Pts 95

2. Sebastian Vettel (German) RBR-Renault Pts 84

3. Rubens Barrichello (Brazilian) Brawn-Mercedes Pts 77

4. Mark Webber (Australian) RBR-Renault Pts 69.5

5. Lewis Hamilton (British) McLaren-Mercedes Pts 49

6. Kimi Räikkönen (Finnish) Ferrari Pts 48

7. Nico Rosberg (German) Williams-Toyota Pts 34.5

8. Jarno Trulli (Italian) Toyota Pts 32.5

9. Fernando Alonso (Spanish) Renault Pts 26

10. Timo Glock (German) Toyota Pts 24

11. Felipe Massa (Brazilian) Ferrari Pts 22

12. Heikki Kovalainen (Finnish) McLaren-Mercedes Pts 22

13. Nick Heidfeld (German) BMW Sauber Pts 19

14. Robert Kubica (Polish) BMW Sauber Pts 17

15. Giancarlo Fisichella (Italian) Ferrari Pts 8

16. Sebastien Buemi (Swiss) STR-Ferrari Pts 6

17. Adrian Sutil (German) Force India-Mercedes Pts 5

18. Kamui Kobayashi (Japanese) Toyota Pts 3

19. Sebastien Bourdais (French) STR-Ferrari Pts 2

20. Kazuki Nakajima (Japanese) Williams-Toyota Pts 0

21. Nelsinho Piquet (Brazilian) Renault Pts 0

22. Vitantonio Liuzzi (Italian) Force India-Mercedes Pts 0

23. Romain Grosjean (French) Renault Pts 0

24. Jaime Alguersuari (Spanish) STR-Ferrari Pts 0

25. Luca Badoer (Italian) Ferrari Pts 0 _____________________________________________________

2009 FIA Formula 1 World Championship Constructors

1. Brawn-Mercedes Pts 172

2. RBR-Renault Pts 153.5

3. McLaren-Mercedes Pts 71

4. Ferrari Pts 70

5. Toyota Pts 59.5

6. BMW Sauber Pts 36

7. Williams-Toyota Pts 34.5

8. Renault Pts 26

9. Force India-Mercedes Pts 13

10. STR-Ferrari Pts 8 _____________________________________________________

2009 FIA Formula One World Championship

1. Australia Jenson Button (Brawn-Mercedes)

2. Malaysia Jenson Button (Brawn-Mercedes)

3. China Sebastian Vettel (RBR-Renault)

4. Bahrain Jenson Button (Brawn-Mercedes)

5. Spain Jenson Button (Brawn-Mercedes)

6. Monaco Jenson Button (Brawn-Mercedes)

7. Turkey Jenson Button (Brawn-Mercedes)

8. Great Britain Sebastian Vettel (RBR-Renault)

9. Germany Mark Webber (RBR-Renault)

10. Hungary Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes)

11. Europe Rubens Barrichello (Brawn-Mercedes)

12. Belgium Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari)

13. Italy Rubens Barrichello (Brawn-Mercedes)

14. Singapore Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes)

15. Japan Sebastian Vettel (RBR-Renault)

16. Brazil Mark Webber (RBR-Renault)

17. Abu Dhabi Sebastian Vettel (RBR-Renault)

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HALL OF FAME

FIA Formula One World Drivers Champions 1950 – 2009

Jenson Button (British) Brawn-Mercedes 2009

Lewis Hamilton (British) McLaren-Mercedes 2008

Kimi Räikkönen (Finnish) 2007

Fernando Alonso (Spanish) Renault 2005-2006

Michael Schumacher (German) Benetton-Ford, Benetton-Renault, Ferrari 1994-1995, 2000-2004

Mika Hakkinen (Finnish) McLaren-Mercedes 1998-1999

Jacques Villeneuve (Canadian) Williams-Renault 1997

Damon Hill (British) Williams-Renault 1996

Alain Prost (French) McLaren-TAG, McLaren- Honda, Williams-Renault 1985-1986, 1989, 1993

Nigel Mansell (British) Williams-Renault 1992

Ayrton Senna (Brazilian) McLaren-Honda, 1988, 1990-1991

Nelson Piquet (Brazilian) Brabham-Ford, Brabham-BMW, Williams-Honda 1981, 1983, 1987

Niki Lauda (Austrian) Ferrari, McLaren-TAG 1975, 1977, 1984

Keke Rosberg (Finnish) Williams-Ford 1982

Alan Jones (Australian) Williams-Ford 1980

Jody Scheckter (South African) (Ferrari) 1979

Mario Andretti (American) Lotus-Ford 1978

James Hunt (British) McLaren-Ford 1976

Emerson Fittipaldi (Brazilian) Lotus-Ford, McLaren-Ford 1972, 1974

Jackie Stewart (British) Matra-Ford, Tyrrell-Ford 1969, 1971, 1973

Jochen Rindt (Austrian) Lotus-Ford 1970

Graham Hill (British) BRM, Lotus-Ford 1962, 1968

Denny Hulme (New Zealander) Brabham-Repco 1967

Jack Brabham (Australian) Cooper-Climax, Brabham-Repco 1959-1960, 1966

Jim Clark (British) Lotus-Climax 1963, 1965

John Surtees (British) Ferrari 1964

Phil Hill (American) Ferrari 1961

Mike Hawthorn (British) Ferrari 1958

Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentinean) Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Mercedes, Ferrari 1951, 1954-1957

Alberto Ascari (Italian) Ferrari 1952-1953

Nino Farina (Italian) Alfa Romeo 1950