Ferrari F2008 vs. McLaren MP4-23

Ferrari became the first team to launch their 2008 car on Sunday, Jan 6, when the wraps came off their new challenger at their Maranello base in Italy. The F2008, the 54th single-seater Ferrari have built to contest the Formula One world championship, will be raced by Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa in the team’s defence of their drivers’ and constructors’ crowns this season.

The F2008’s design, codenamed internally as the 659, represents Ferrari’s interpretation of the regulations in force in 2008. A major new element of these is the introduction of a new electronic system to be used by all teams, known as SECU (Standard Electronic Control Unit) and produced by MES (McLaren Electronic Systems.) It consists of a single control unit and a software system, the development of which ends as the season begins.

Other areas affected by rule changes are: gearbox, which must be used for four consecutive events; safety, with the introduction of higher side protection around the driver's helmet; materials, with a limit to the type of composites that can be used. As a result of these rules, there has been an increase in the weight of the F2008 over its predecessor.

All aerodynamic surfaces on the car have been completely revised. However, the current version will be replaced by a completely different configuration in time for the first 2008 race in March and an intensive and all-encompassing development programme is planned to run throughout the season.

The monococque has been further cut away under the driver's legs and the side pods and engine cover are more tapered. The suspension system has been reworked and developed around the new aerodynamics.

The wheelbase and weight distribution have been adapted to meet the challenge of the new regulations and on the basis of lessons learned last year in terms of the performance of the Bridgestone tyres. Changes to the technical and sporting regulations in terms of electronics, alongside the introduction of the SECU, have led to the removal of a host of a driver aids, such as traction control and engine braking and the electronically assisted start system, and also mean that management of the differential, engine and gearchange are much simpler.

The gearbox casing is produced in carbon, while the transmission continues to be mounted longitudinally. For the second consecutive year the gearchange is fitted with a quick shift system, adapted to the SECU software and further speeded up. The braking system has been updated with new callipers and innovative concepts regarding cooling.

The 056 engine is mounted longitudinally and continues as a load bearing element. Its basic structure remains unchanged compared to the unit homologated at the start of last season, while its auxiliary systems, air and fuel intakes have been further developed. The technical regulations also call for the use of fuel corresponding to European Union norms, with a content of components derived from biological sources equal to 5.75%.



Ferrari F2008 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

Ventilated carbon-fibre
disc brakes
Independent suspension,
push-rod activated torsion
springs front and rear

Weight (with water, lubricant and driver): 605 kg

BBS Wheels (front and rear): 13''

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: 98 mm

Weight: <95 kg

Magneti Marelli digital electronic injection

Magneti Marelli static
electronic ignition

Fuel: Shell V-Power ULG 64

Lubricant: Shell SL-1098





McLaren revealed their 2008 challenger on Monday, Jan 7, following Ferrari Sunday's event of F2008 launch, as the wraps came off the MP4-23 in a special ceremony at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. The car will be raced by Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen this season, and both were present to witness the car’s unveiling.

McLaren missed out on both championships in 2007 after they were stripped of their constructors’ points following the Ferrari ‘spy scandal’ affair. However, team boss Ron Dennis insisted they would be fighting for both titles again in 2008.



The 2008 season gets underway in Melbourne on March 16.