Ferrari are the latest team to launch their car for the 2016 season, the SF-16-H, as they target a year-long title fight with Mercedes.
The Maranello based team launched their new car, the SF-16-H via livestream this afternoon. The launch comes hours after rivals Williams launched the FW-38, and Mercedes took to Silverstone on a shakedown day in the W07.
The new car features a throwback to the classic Ferrari’s of the 70’s, with a white engine cover the most striking difference. The team of course still keeps the iconic red for the main body of the car. And in a patriotic move the tricolour of the Italian flag is now in a ring around the air intake. The car also features what is being described as a “short and stubby nose.” The team have kept their 2015 driver line up of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, and 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen. The team are looking to take the title fight to Mercedes this year after winning three races in the 2015 season, and coming runners up in constructors.
One of the biggest changes on the car for the new season is the move away from a pull-rod front suspension to a more conventional push-rod front suspension. Push-rod front suspensions tend to lead to a sharper front end, something that will fit perfectly with the driving styles of both Vettel and Raikkonen. As well as this the team have substantially changed their self-made power unit, making it more compact so it takes up minimal spacing. This has led to the SF-16-H having a much narrower rear end.
The new SF-16-H, with particular attention to the compact rear end. (Image courtesy of Scuderia Ferrari)
James Allison, the technical director at Ferrari was very aware that competition on the grid this year would be fierce. But he seemed to be positive about the chances of the SF-16-H “Our competitors are strong. We have to go forward and improve. We are very confident that we can achieve good results this season”
Team Principal Maurizio Arrivabene has made it clear what Ferrari expect from the 2016 season, and that is a year-long title fight, most likely with the Mercedes team. “We would like to fight until the end of the championship. I know it’s not going to be easy because our competitors are not sleeping, but we are all committed to do our best.”
The SF-16-H will be in action along with the other cars at the first Pre-season test Monday.
Feature Image credit: Scuderia Ferrari press release
