Ferrari set to use F2001 to start season

[Tristan]

It now looks likely more than anything that Ferrari will use the F2001 for the first couple of fly-away races of the season, with the new car debuing at San Marino. The F2002 being alledgedly "revolutionary" in its design, Ferrari seem to be keen to avoid any reliability issues that may arise as a result of teething troubles.

Is this wise? Do we think that the rest of the field may have cought them up by now?? Would racing the new car be a BENEFIT rather than a hinderence?? Should tactics like this even be allowed?? Or is this a clever move by the Italians??

[mjstallard]

The F2001 will probably be able to more than cut the mustard - it seems competitive in testing, and they probably will be able to run an interim car anyway, just without the high risk parts.

However, it'll be interesting to see what difference there is between Sauber and Ferrari, if Ferrari have to use 2001 spec engines (go go Heidi! )

[Mr V]

Originally posted by mjstallard
The F2001 will probably be able to more than cut the mustard - it seems competitive in testing, and they probably will be able to run an interim car anyway, just without the high risk parts.

However, it'll be interesting to see what difference there is between Sauber and Ferrari, if Ferrari have to use 2001 spec engines (go go Heidi! )

if the times at barcelona this morning are anything to go by (yes, i know there only testing times!!) it could be very interesting.

ferrari were fastest of all, although they didn't (yet) match mclarens times of last week, however, the interesting thng, was that barrichello, who was 2nd quickest, was only marginally faster than the sauber of heidfeld, who was 3rd.

[Glen]

The F2001 was quick at all sorts of tracks, but the biggest difference was the reliability - which was exceptional. Ferrari know that even if the car (whatever car) is only as quick as the opposition they still have another ace up the sleeve in Schumacher... so they can risk being less than dominant in pure car-speed but still get results by dint of having the quickest driver.

Added to which they can run the new spec engine (and other components) in the proven chassis and have an awaesome package anyway - look at how fast they were at Suzuka.

Until the 2002 Mclaren and Williams start bettering the 2001 times by a very significant degree Ferrari will not be unduly worried.

[BD]

Testing times are pretty insignificant. Right now last years Williams is faster than this years. Same with BAR, Jaguar, McLaren, Jordan, Renault etc. Why? Because they are testing, not qualifying.
The reliability problems that Ferrari face are in the "clutchless" engine and gearbox. Not the chassis.
What we will most likely see is last years powertrain in this years chassis, until they are sure that the new powertrain package is reliable.
I figure the reason Ferrari is taking so long to unveil the F2002 is because it is such a revolutionary design that they want to give other teams little chance to copy them.
Last years engine, more than likely tweaked, in this years improved chassis will be very fast.

[Sodemo]

well i personally don't think they should be allowed to start the season with an old car only to bring in the new car in later races. I mean you could then take that to ridiculous lengths like having a new car for every race.

[Valve Bounce]

Could this have anything to do with the fact that Ron Dennis thinks some of the technical innovations on teh 2002 car are illegal? and is preparing to protest the new car?

[BBKing]

Originally posted by Valve Bounce
Could this have anything to do with the fact that Ron Dennis thinks some of the technical innovations on teh 2002 car are illegal? and is preparing to protest the new car?

Spot on. I doubt will let Ferrari get away with crime now that they have the best car in the grid.

Even the 2001 should be fast enough to figh for the title. That is if McLaren does not turn up to be 2 seconds faster than everyone....LOL

[senna12]

I'm sure the old car can do the job, for now. But development being what it is, they may be forced to bring it out earlier if they're losing points over it. Comparisons with Sauber in the early going should be interesting.

[Gt_R]

Ferrari is making a decision AFTER the first test with their new car. The revolutionary design had yet been tested as a whole yet, and reliable or not, nobody knows. Of course there are fears of its reliabilities when something new is introduced, but whether it is serious or not to warrant the F2001 to stand in is another issue.

Chassis wise, the F2001 is able to be still competitive with the rest. Afterall, half the field had copied their designs and Ferrari is not going to just race the F2001 as per last year, but would definitely revise it with tested new components and a slightly improved chassis (more of a further developement car of Michael's car in Suzuka 2001).

Much along the same line said by Glen... But till now, this is just speculation.

[paulzinho]

Does anyone know when the F2002 is being launched?

[BD]

The new Ferrari will be launched on Feb. 6th.
I'm pretty sure that we will see the new car in Australia. If we do, it will be very fast. Every other team is catching up to where Ferrari was last year.