Ferrari News

The winners are undoubtedly the eight members of FOTA and especially the driving force behind the breakaway series – Ferrari.The big loser: Max Mosley, who has agreed to not stand for re-election and whose current duties will be taken on by Michael Boeri (current President of the FIA Senate). Flavio Briatore may also consider he has lost out to some degree, as he was considered a front runner to fulfil the role currently held by Bernie Ecclestone within the breakaway series. Ecclestone is undoubtedly relieved and would have played no small part in Mosley’s backdown.Mosley’s budget cap has been scrapped and the FOTA teams have now agreed to sign a new Concorde Agreement to the end of 2012.The proposed 2010 regulations have also been scrapped and the car will now use the existing regulations with some small changes to allow a move to cost-cutting of a much lesser degree.We will publish the full press details when they become available.Full list of Teams below – which now comprises 26 cars on the gridTEAM                        SCUDERIA FERRARI MARLBORO                     VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES     BMW SAUBER F1 TEAM                           RENAULT F1 TEAM                                       PANASONIC TOYOTA RACING                     SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO                              RED BULL RACING                                           AT&T WILLIAMS                                         FORCE INDIA F1 TEAM                            BRAWN GP FORMULA ONE TEAM            CAMPOS META TEAM                         MANOR GRAND PRIX                           TEAM US F1                                         

The Car The Ferrari 500 F2 is a small 4 cylinder Aurelio Lampredi-designed Grand Prix car. The 500 F2 helped establish Ferrari as the legendary marque they are now by winning 14 out of 15 Grand Prix across the 1952 and 1953 seasons. It is considered to be among the best Grand Prix cars of all time. After Alfa Romeo decided to no longer compete in the World Championship at the end of 1951, the FIA was left in the unfortunate position of having no real contender to Ferrari to contest the F1 Championship. Seeing that the season would end up a one horse race with small fields, the FIA changed the rules to that of the Formula 2 specification. While this opened up the competition to more teams and larger fields, Ferrari already had a car that met the new rules in this classification as well. With Alberto Ascari as the number one driver, Ferrari went on to win all seven races in the 1952 season (ex Indianapolis).  Ascari won six of those seven but  missed the season opening Swiss Grand Prix as he was racing a 375 Ferrari at the Indianapolis 500. The Swiss GP was won by Piero Tarruffi. The following year the dominance continued with Ferrari winning all but the last round Italian GP which was one by Fangio in a Maserati. In 1953 the 500 F2 also gave Mike Hawthorn his maiden win as well as the first win for British driver in the modern era. The Model Both Exoto and CMC currently have models of the 500 F2 on offer and both versions are superb models. The two manufacturers consistently deliver highly detailed and accurate replicas, however my personal preference in this instance runs to the Exoto version. To me, the detailing captures a realism that I don't see in the CMC version. The Exoto model is built from diecast, machined, pressed, stamped, molded and photo-etched metal parts. It also features braided metal, rubber hoses, wire mesh parts and velour covered seats. All parts are beautiful representations of the real thing. The level of detail in the engine bay and cockpit is superb. Even under very close macro photography, the cast and machined details stand up well and the nuts and screws do look over-sized or out of place. Exoto are working their way through all versions of the 500 F2, the number 10 car featured in our Gallery is the 1953 Argentinean GT winning Car driven by Alberto Ascari, while the number 30 is the Snub-Nosed 1952 Swiss GP winner driven by Piero Taruffi. Both are now un-available having been retired after sale of their limited production. There are numerous other versions still available though. These are superb models and highly recommended.

After a lengthy meeting last night to discuss the FIA’s compromise offer, all eight teams comprising FOTA have voted to set up the new breakaway series that has been threatened for the past year.Ferrari, McLaren, Renault, BMW, Sauber, Toyota, Brawn, Red Bull and Scuderia Toro Rosso have decided they cannot accept the compromises offered by Max Mosley and are now preparing for the establishment of the breakaway series.The implications of this decision are obviously massive, the establishment of a new series is a substantial undertaking and the logistics of the current Formula 1 series is simply the largest for any sport in the world. FOTA now have to go from ground zero to that scale in far less than a year.After the recent announcement of the three new teams to enter the F1 Championship – Campos Grand Prix, Manor Grand Prix, Team US F1 -- it leaves just Williams and Force India as the established teams in F1.Williams use a Toyota-sourced engine and Force India the Mercedes unit. Depending on the individual contracts, these two teams may find they will need to move to the Cosworth unit that the new entries will be using.Lola recently also announced it had withdrawn its request for entry into the F1 series, and given that within the statement issued by FOTA after the meeting that they will actively encourage other teams, we may yet see Lola and Prodrive/Aston Martin racing against Ferrari in a Grand Prix series.Bernie Ecclestone has issued a warning saying that he will actively sue any breakaway series that tries to sign TV rights.The battles are about to commence… unfortunately for some time they will be fought in the courtroom.Official FOTA Press ReleaseDate:19 June, 2009FOTA UNITED ON THE FUTURE  Silverstone, 18 June 2009 - Since the formation of FOTA last September the teams have worked together and sought to engage the FIA and commercial rights holder, to develop and improve the sport.Unprecedented worldwide financial turmoil has inevitably placed great challenges before the F1 community.  FOTA is proud that it has achieved the most substantial measures to reduce costs in the history of our sport.   In particular the manufacturer teams have provided assistance to the independent teams, a number of which would probably not be in the sport today without the FOTA initiatives.  The FOTA teams have further agreed upon a substantial voluntary cost reduction that provides a sustainable model for the future.Following these efforts all the teams have confirmed to the FIA and the commercial rights holder that they are willing to commit until the end of 2012.   The FIA and the commercial rights holder have campaigned to divide FOTA.  The wishes of the majority of the teams are ignored. Furthermore, tens of millions of dollars have been withheld from many teams by the commercial rights holder, going back as far as 2006. Despite this and the uncompromising environment, FOTA has genuinely sought compromise.It has become clear however, that the teams cannot continue to compromise on the fundamental values of the sport and have declined to alter their original conditional entries to the 2010 World Championship.These teams therefore have no alternative other than to commence the preparation for a new Championship which reflects the values of its participants and partners.  This series will have transparent governance, one set of regulations, encourage more entrants and listen to the wishes of the fans, including offering lower prices for spectators worldwide,   partners and other important stakeholders.   The major drivers, stars, brands, sponsors, promoters and companies historically associated with the highest level of motorsport will all feature in this new series. 

Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa 0714TR set a new world record price of 9 million euro (16.2 million) on the weekend.

The Ferrari Board confirmed yesterday afternoon (overnight our time) that if the FIA and Max Mosley do not change their plans for the F1 budget cap they will not enter the championship next ye

While Ferrari’s entry in F1 is topical (see related stories) a significant example of past glory in other championships is to be auctioned at RM Auctions Ferrari Passione e Leggenda on May 16.One of only three original 330 P4s built, and second place finisher in the 1967 Le Mans 24 Hours, chassis number 0858 will be auctioned at Modena in its final factory guise as a 350 Can-Am.This particular car is significant to Australian Ferrari cognescenti as it was raced at Surfers Paradise in 1968. The car also played a significant role in Ferrari’s 1967 World Manufacturers Championship for Sportcars win.  Rule changes at the end of the 1967 season made the P4s obsolete for the 1968 season and 0858 became one of two P4s to be modified to compete in the Can-Am Series in America. This was without success however as the 4.4 litre engine could not compete against the no holds barred big block engines of the likes of the McLarens.Sold at the end of the season to a privateer, the car went on to race in South Africa where it won five races in the Springbok Series. On retirement from racing it was sold to an enthusiast who has maintained ownership for the past 40 years with only rare public outings.The car will present a connundrum to some potential purchasers. The P4 is the Holy Grail for the very upper eschelon of collectors. It brought Enzo Ferrai one of his most prized moments - the 1-2-3 victory at Daytona in 1967 against the unlimited-budget Ford assualt on his dominance. An image of the victory has remained behind his desk since that time. With a second place at Le Mans, this example could be considered the second most desireable of the P4s. The eventual buyer is left with the decision as whether to keep its original factory-modified body and unrestored patina or restore it to 1967 Le Mans specification, which is undoutably the most desirable style.check out our gallery of studio shots from RM Auctions - Ferrari Passione e Leggenda...Other notable Ferrari for sale in Modena on the 16th include;Alain Prost’s 1990 Ferrari 641/2 F11957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa (featured in the World’s Most Beautiful Car blog related link))1965 Ferrari 275GTB/C (raced in 1993 Targa Tasmania)1956 Maserati 250F Grand Prix Car1959 Ferrari 250Gt California (LWB) 

At the very upper end of the 1:18 scale diecast market there has been something of a war happening between the big two model makers - CMC of Germany and Exoto of America. First they both released versions of the Ferrari 500 F2, and both have followed up recently with their own versions of the Ferrari 156. Each manufacturer claims their version to be the most accurate and the most detailed. Parts count in the models exceeds 1400 and virtually none are plastic..Now however it looks like we are seeing a third player enter the market place; GMP, also of America. GMP have been building models for some years, however their focus previously was on models aimed towards their domestic market. With the P4 they have paid the not insignificant licencing fee to Mattel for the rights to build and sell a Ferrari model. Mattel are the global partner with Ferrari for their model line.GMP  has chosen well with the P4 for their first foray into the Ferrari arena. The P4 is considered by most entusiasts to be the most beautiful, desireable and valuable Ferrari. With one coming up for auction next week at RM Auctions - Ferrari Passione e Leggenda (make that a hyperlink on the name itself) we should see confirmation of that view.The model is very accurate and extremely detailed, (see gallery above for images of the Ferrari P4 model and real car). From the complete engine bay detail including the four perfectly formed ignition coils to the plumbing and wiring which look in proportion. This is the sort of detail that the cheaper manufacturers such as Mattel Elite never quite get right and spoils the illusion.Overall proportions and shape appear spot on and the level of detail in the cockpit and suspension is second to known, not even CMC or Exoto. I have only one very slight criticism and that is the front body section is a little tricky to fit out of the box. But that is very minor as the model is solid and well made and even though the fitting is fiddly it doesn't feel like you are going to break anything.If you are interested in getting into 1:18 scale models we recommend ModelCars Too in Sydney or Automodels online store.GMP are set to follow the P4 with a 312P - let this war continue.

...but was that guy supposed to get whacked by the lamp post??      

Could the Global Financial Crisis ultimately result in the most fundamental shift in motorsport – for Ferrari to be no longer interested in Formula One? There has not been, and probably never will be again, two entities within one sport so intertwined. Formula One without Ferrari is almost unthinkable. But it could happen.It is not because Ferrari are in any financial difficulty and need to tighten their belt. It is actually the contrary. The whole Ferrari model is about being in a position to be able to hire the best, have the best facilities and the budget to do what they need to do to win. The current changes to regulations do not align with that model, and more importantly they do not align with the fundamental principle and philosophy of why Ferrari is Ferrari.Why be associated with a sport that essentially becomes a handicap event? And yes, the limit to a budget in Ferrari terms is a handicap. Ferrari infrastructure, brand, business model and corporate knowledge and philosophy would all have to fundamentally shift to work within the budget cap. The required change management to shift an entity with the history, success and sheer size of Ferrari Formula One makes this a handicap of mammoth proportions.Current indicators are that Ferrari is considering dropping out of Formula One and concentrating their efforts in other areas. This may be gamesmanship. If it was to happen the biggest loser would undoubtedly be Formula One. Sure, F1 could regain Lola — which is a positive — but there are also question marks over Mercedes and Renault. Without Ferrari, the championship becomes a lot less stable and many, many followers will follow Ferrari to another championship.Luca Di Montezemolo has been invited to start this year’s LeMans, and Stefano Domencialli will be attending with him. This is undoubtedly a power play on Ferrari’s part to tell Formula One management that if the series no longer suits their objectives they are prepared to move on. And it is a move that could actually suit Ferrari. After all they make their money from road cars (plus merchandise and marketing) and the LeMans Series look a lot closer to road cars. The history is also there … Ferrari’s record with GT classes is as strong as open-wheelers. The threat is not an empty one.Max Mosley says that the Ferrari board will back the initiatives put in place by Formula One management to cap costs, he feels the saving of a $100 million dollars is too inviting for them not to support the initiative. This makes as much sense as his occasional dress sense. Ferrari’s corporate value is in the multi-billion dollar area. Its national worth is priceless. Leaving aside those two points however: the current business model works, they simply don't need to tighten their belts that much, there is no benefit to them. Ferrari also run a university to feed talent into the factory, even laying off the amount of workers that Brawn had to after their first win would not sit well with the Ferrari board or the Italian Government.Montezemolo questions the current regulations and budget caps on two fronts;* What he calls the grey regulations — where a rule such as the current diffuser issue can be interpreted, and where that interpretation even when it is outside the intended design intention can result in teams expending millions playing catch-up when it becomes legal.* The unenforceable nature of the budget cap. It is here that Ferrari is probably in the best position to exploit and interpret rules. Could the FXX and 599XX style programs be used as test beds for Formula One parts and therefore reverse the idiom of race developments finding their way to road cars? Or are the FXX and 599XX programs development mules for future GT racers? The questions we pose are:* Will Ferrari move their efforts to FIA GT and LeMans Series - feel free to tell us your opinion below…* Or take our Poll (above) 

Australia's grand prix star usually avoids any commitment on success but, relaxing in Bahrain yesterday after his brilliant drive to second in the Chinese Grand Prix last Sunday, he was finally happy to concede he is a potential race winner in 2009. "There is absolutely a chance this year that we could win a grand prix. Absolutely," Webber says. "It's definitely the fastest car I've ever had. I had a special day on Sunday and it could have been a little better, but not much." Webber and his young German team mate Sebastian Vettel were clearly the best through the rain-lashed Chinese race, although he says it was much tougher than it looked on television. "Challenging. Yeah, a very very tough race. A very tough day," he says. "There were a couple of moments every lap. And it would change every four or five laps. The goalposts were constantly moving." The closest Webber got to Vettel was at the start, but even before that he was going to be battling. The Red Bull team gives slightly preferential treatment to its drivers on a turn-about system, which means one gets the priority lap in qualifying and first choice on pitstops. In China, the advantage went to Vettel. This weekend it will be Webber's turn and he will also get the last crucial shot in qualifying at one of his favourite races, the Monaco Grand Prix. "It's tight. It's very tight. We are pushing each other, which is good for the team," Webber says. "We're very competitive with each other and that's a benefit. But we're not just racing each other." He says the Brawn GP cars of Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello are still the pacemakers, although Red Bull and a couple of the others are close. "We know we've got work to do in the dry. We have plenty of competition, and the Brawns are still the ones to beat." But, like every team in F1 this year following the most major rules shakeup in 10 years, Red Bull has a lot of new parts coming to make its cars quicker. "We've got a lot of stuff back at the factory and the guys have absolutely smashed themselves. We've got loads of stuff coming, which every team has. There is a big chance to improve. "Two weeks in this industry is a huge amount. Ferrari and McLaren have been sleeping dogs, but they will wake up soon and be back. It's just so tight and competitive." Webber says it is the same with himself and Vettel, who became the youngest GP winner last year and is already being rated as Michael Schumacher's successor as F1 superstar. "Most sessions we've done there is a tenth or tenth-anda-half between us. It is tight," Webber says. "In the future we know with us two pushing each other means we will get the best result for the team." He knows Vettel did a slightly better job in China but it does not worry him. "I'm happy. He was not hanging around. The way the strategy turned out was going to be very tough for me to beat him. "It was his day and the best thing is we were there to get 18 points for the team. It's not easy for a team to get a 1-2. "It actually wasn't probablly one of my best races. I've definitely had better afternoons but the result was ok, so we'll take it." Leading into Bahrain, Webber knows the Brawns will be tough and he is also wary of the pre-season testing done at the track by Ferrari, BMW and Toyota. As well as the power boost from the Kinetic Energy Recovery systems used by Ferrari, McLaren, BMW and Renault. "It will be interesting to see how it goes. You have to set the car for the wind here. Bahrain is very exposed. "We're not inexperienced, and KERS might come back into it. It is a factor in qualifying, the run to the first corner, and for passing." So, has China given him a boost for Bahrain? "I've been around long enough to know we've got to keep pushing. The difference between second and first is so close now. You have to scramble for every tenth. "It's so easy still to be eighth on the grid. There is a lot of good racing to come."