- The F60
is the fifty fifth single-seater built by Ferrari specifically
to compete in the Formula 1 World Championship. The name of
the car was chosen to celebrate the Scuderia's participation
in all 60 editions of the Formula 1 World Championship since
1950 to date.
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- The project, which goes by the internal
code name of 660, represents the Scuderia's interpretation of
the regulations that come into force this year, which include
very 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 Ferrari cars over the
past few years.
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- 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.
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- The new rules regarding
aerodynamics have also led to modifications to 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.
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- 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"
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 tyres with no grooves 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 still positioned longitudinally. The gearbox is
fitted with a speed shifter. There is also a new braking
system, with callipers designed by Brembo. Other important
rule changes for this year stem from the work of FIA and FOTA
(Formula One Teams Association) aimed at producing a
significant reduction in the teams' operational costs.
<BR>As far as the engine is concerned, which retains its
longitudinal mounting in the F60 and continues as a load
bearing structure, the rules now state that a total of eight
engines may be used over the 17 Grand Prix race weekends on
the 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. The changes to the regulations mean that, on
the reliability front, Shell has played a fundamental role in
defining the lubricants for both the engine and gearbox.
As usual, the technical partners have played an
important part right from the design and development stage of
the entire car. Apart from the aforementioned Shell, a
significant contribution has been made by the FIAT Research
Centre, especially in the use of its simulation systems and by
Brembo, in the development of the braking system. As usual,
great attention has been paid to the management and
optimisation of the materials used, at the design stage and
through quality control, aimed at maximising performance while
maintaining the highest possible levels of safety.
