Formula 1 News

2009 F1 season: the new Ferrari F60 

Scuderia Ferrari unveiled this morning its 2009 challenger: the Ferrari F60 single seater. The all new Ferrari F60 has been modified radically if compared to last season’s F2008, mainly given the new aerodynamic regulations based on which the single seaters will have to feature a larger front wing and a significantly narrower rear.

The F60 is the fifty fifth single seater built by Scuderia Ferrari specifically to compete in the F1 World Championship. The name of the car was chosen to celebrate Ferrari’s participation in all 60 editions of the Formula One World Championship since 1950 to date. The project, which goes by the internal codename of 660, represents Ferrari’s interpretation of the regulations that come into force this year, which include many new elements.

 As far as the aerodynamics are concerned, these modifications are the result of the work carried out by the OWG (Overtaking Working Group) set up by the FIA in collaboration with the teams to produce a set of rules aimed at encouraging more overtaking on track: the front wing, which has a neutral central profile, common to all, is developed mainly on its side elements and is much wider than in the past. The bodywork can no longer carry the slotted apertures that had characterised the Scuderia’s cars over the past few years. Other aerodynamic devices are also significantly reduced; the rear wing is higher and narrower than in the past; the diffuser has been moved rearward.

The combination of changes naturally led the initial design phase down radically different routes when it came to the side pods and protection components: the apertures have been reduced in size and moved rearward, while the upper and rear elements are larger to aid the exit of air.

The new rules regarding aerodynamics have also led to modifications of the suspension, as these elements can no longer be enclosed to the same extent. The suspension system and the whole layout of the car have been redesigned in the light of the new rules in order to achieve the correct weight distribution.

The design also takes into account two other significant changes in the 2009 regulations: the possibility of using a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) and the reintroduction of slick type tyres.

The KERS on the F60 was designed by Ferrari in collaboration with Magneti Marelli and is centrally mounted on the engine under the rear part of the chassis; its management has involved all departments of the Gestione Sportiva.

The return to slick tyres is another element which is down to the work of the OWG, as is the introduction of a flap on the front wing that can be adjusted by the driver when the car is moving. The software for managing this tool, as well as for the KERS, was designed in Maranello.

The transmission has been redesigned to optimise the aerodynamic efficiency of the car. The gearbox casing is again made in carbon and is positioned longitudinally. The gearbox is fitted with a speed shifter. There’s also a new braking system, with calipers designed by Brembo.

As far as the engine is concerned, which retains its longitudinal mounting in the F60 and continues as a load bearing structure, the new rules state that a total of eight (8) engines my be used over the 17 Grand Prix race weekends on the 2009 calendar. Accordingly, the maximum permitted engine speed has been reduced to 18.000 rpm and the distance target for each unit is now around 2.500 kilometres. Furthermore, modifications have been made to the inlet trumpets, the position of the injectors and the configuration of the exhausts.

Scuderia Ferrari F60 single-seater Technical Specifications:

• Chassis:
  • Carbon-fibre and honeycomb composite structure
  • Ferrari longitudinal gearbox Limited-slip differential
  • Semiautomatic sequential electronically controlled gearbox – quick shift
  • Number of gears 7 + Reverse
  • Brembo ventilated carbon-fibre disc brakes
  • Independent suspension, push-rod activated torsion springs front and rear
  • Weight (with water, lubricant and driver) 605 kg
  • BS Wheels (front and rear) 13″
  • Kinetic Energy Recovery System by Ferrari in cooperation with Magneti Marelli
• Engine:
  • Type 056
  • Number of cylinders: 8
  • Cylinder block in cast aluminium V 90
  • Number of valves: 32
  • Pneumatic distribution
  • Total displacement: 2398 cm3
  • Piston bore: 98mm
  • Weight > 95kg
  • Magneti Marelli digital electronic injection
  • Magneti Marelli static electronic ignition
  • Fuel: Shell V-Power ULG-66L/2
  • Lubricant: Shell