Ferrari: the miracle solution?

Ferrari, during the Valencia tests, was able to place itself at the head of the timed tests, reassuring itself about the design of the F10, car whose development began in spring 2009. Work which intensified during the summer, when we made the delicate strategic decision to stop the development of the F60 and put all our potential into this new project. », affirmed Aldo Costa, director of the Scuderia, in the columns of AUTOhebdo. Valencia's figures should, however, be taken with a pinch of salt, due to the difficult comparison that can be made with the times achieved by cars from other teams.

Ferrari has opted for a raised hull front, RB5 style, in order to better distribute the flow of air under the floor and better channel it towards the rear diffuser. This also mobilized the Scuderia teams, who designed the F10 according to its position. “ The diffuser is fundamental, declared Nicholas Tombazis, chief designer of the F10. To optimize performance, we revised the rear axle and moved the different components to integrate it as best as possible. On the F10, it is much bigger and more efficient compared to previous seasons »

In addition, the engine has been tilted under the bodywork, as revealed in the Gazzetta dello Sport. The Ferrari V8 is thus leaned towards the front of the single-seater, its inclination being increased to 3,5° between the front and rear of the block, a solution adopted by Arrows in 1979. This inclination allows a certain aerodynamic gain, by raising the rear of the engine block and making it possible to increase in particular the length of the channel supplying the rear diffuser. “ The new Ferrari offers a very interesting mechanical solution and most of the secrets are hidden under the bodywork », Confides Aldo Costa, who hopes to have found in this option a way to grab a few tenths per lap. Ferrari will have the opportunity to verify the effectiveness of its solution during the next tests, in Jerez, which begin on Wednesday.

Find our F1 2010 Guide very soon