The bad weather that is currently torturing much of Europe has forced Ferrari to make a last-minute change of plans for its 2012 Formula 1 car launch.
While it was initially scheduled to be revealed at Maranello, and then make its maiden test at the Fiorano circuit, the heavy snow that was more suited to the Ferrari-special Grand Cherokee than an F1 car resulted in the new F2012 to be launched via an online presentation.
Compared to last year’s F150o, which celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Italian Republic, Ferrari’s new Formula 1 car has a very unimaginative designation. But names don’t matter that much; after all, the 2011 car had only one win to its credit.
Naturally, the F2012 is a completely new design, featuring a distinctive “stepped” nose and a 2011 McLaren-like double air intake.
“It really looks very aggressive”, said Scuderia driver Felipe Massa. “This was part of my dreams. I know there was quite a lot of brainstorming when it comes to the new car, and I am impressed with it.”
What Massa really has to do, though, this year, is impress his boss with his performance if he wants to retain his seat in 2013.
Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo warned the Brazilian, who in 2011 didn’t finish higher than fifth place in any race and scored less than half the points of his team-mate Fernando Alonso, that he must up his game.
“Massa has to do something great, and something special, after a non-positive season”, said di Montezemolo. “We are offering him the best conditions to do a better job.”
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