For
2004 we have a number of new regulations. The size of the engine
cover and the size of the rear wing endplates have been increased
to create more space for sponsorship. The rear wing has been limited
to two elements to provide a small reduction in downforce. The gearbox
must now be operated manually and automatic starting systems have
been banned. There has also been an increase in the minimum strength
of the wheel tether system.
Significantly,
we are limited to one engine for the duration of the whole event,
practice, qualifying and the race and this requires engines with
twice the life of a 2003 engine.
The
practice and qualifying schedule has also changed, meaning that
Friday will now be a car set up day. We will have two consecutive
qualifying sessions on Saturday afternoon, the second qualifying
session determining grid position and also signifying the commencement
of parc ferme meaning race fuel levels will be used.
Pit
lane speed limits have risen from 80kph to 100kph, reducing pit
stop times by a small amount.
Our
analysis of the 2003 season has highlighted the areas where we were
strong and those where we were weak. Certainly, we did not react
aggressively enough to the opportunities presented by the 2003 regulation
changes and for 2004, we have worked to ensure that we will not
make the same mistake.
Rory
will give you a technical description of the new car, but once again
this car represents another significant step in performance and
I am proud to say that this is the best Ferrari we have produced………so
far.
One
of the reasons we are able to progress each year is stability. It
is a stability that bonds the Team during difficult periods, such
as in 2003. But it also a stability that allows us to grow from
within. For the past few years our objective has been to develop
key members of our staff so that they will become the Rory Byrnes
or Ross Brawns at Ferrari in the future. As part of this plan we
have made a number of changes for 2004. Luca Baldisserri will become
our Chief Race Engineer, with responsibility for race engineering
activities, including race strategy. Aldo Costa has taken more overall
responsibility for this car than previous Ferraris and this trend
will continue for the next few years. John Iley has joined as Head
of Aerodynamics, and is now responsible for our Aerodynamic activities.
Many of our key staff are expanding their fields of responsibility
and we can look forward to the future with optimism.
One
of the key elements to our eventual success in 2003 was our Technical
Partnerships. We had a tremendous response and support from all
of our partners without exception. Perhaps the most crucial partnership
is with Bridgestone.
What
must be understood is that during a tyre war of the intensity and
level we have experienced in the last few seasons, no tyre company
can be totally dominant.
We
will succeed or fail on the strength of our tyres. This does not
mean that we expect Bridgestone to shoulder that responsibility
alone. We are not going to step back and say ' it is up to you Bridgestone'.
No, we have built a strong technical and human partnership and both
partners must share the responsibility of producing the most competitive
tyres. We will succeed together and we will fail together. And if
we fail, then we will need to work harder and work smarter.
Testing continues with our 2003 car and we now have five major tests
before the beginning of the season. We have been testing for several
months using many major components from the 2004 car such as cooling
systems, transmission components and engine components and we are
pleased with progress.
Our
new car will run at Fiorano at the end of this week with Michael
driving. The programme will then continue for the whole of February
at Fiorano, Mugello and Imola. All the major crash testing has already
been successfully completed with the second new car and that will
join the test programme later in February.
2003
was an extremely challenging year and many difficult questions were
asked of Ferrari. We faced these challenges and answered these questions
with the spirit of which we are all proud.
We
cannot guarantee to win, but we can guarantee to always try our
best.
Forza
Ferrari. |