Ferrari Chat

Not A Good Start

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 18:52:00 +0000

Well there isnt much worth saying about the GP this past weekend in Australia. Kimi and Massa both looked like rookies and it appears the reliability issues that began last year have not been worked out for this year. Lets hope they can get things together so they don't end up in the same situation they were in last year.

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 19:12:00 +0000

It was great to see Michael Schumacher in an F1 car again. Especially when he clocked the fastest times of the two test sessions he took part in. It s to bad we didnt get to see Michael and Kimi race against each other this past season. It would have been interesting to see how to two fared against each other in the same car.

Ferrari's Kimi "The Iceman" Raikkonen Did It

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 21:27:00 +0000

Well everything that needed to happen to make Raikkonen the world champion did happen and it was amazing. The best race of the season IMO as I was on the edge my seat hoping Hamilton wouldnt be able to make up the positions needed to win that he lost in the opening laps of the race. Well its good to have the Crown back in Ferraris hands but its bad because we have a long wait to next season.

Ferrari Continues to Struggle With Reliability

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 16:09:00 +0000

This continues to be a tough season for Ferrari with regards to reliability. The good news is that Massa was able to finish on the podium. Jean Todt admitted the Italian squad must keep working to solve reliability problems with the F2007 after Kimi Raikkonen retired midway through Sundays’ European Grand Prix. Todt insisted, however, that Kimi is still very much in the title hunt. Ferrari has their work cut out for them over the next couple months is they want to take the lead in the drivers and constructors championship.

Ferrari Maintain Form at Silverstone

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:18:00 +0000

Things didnt look good at the start of the race Sunday. Massa stalled on the line and was forced to start from pit lane. Massa was able to work his way back up from last to fifth which was quite an accomplishment. Kimi also had great success Sunday as well but it didn't look that way after the first stops were completed. Kimi was hot on Lewis Hamilton before the first stops and was able to get in front of him after his stop but much to everyones surprise Fernando was able to get in front of Kimi after his first stop. The good news for Ferrari was that Fernando's strategy didn't pan out and Kimi was able to run deeper into the race allowing him to take the lead after his second stop and cruise in for the win. Hopefully Ferrari can carry their recent success through the rest of the season and get back into contention for the championships.

Ferrari Back Where They Belong...In Front

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 18:45:00 +0000

McLaren arent going to walk away with the Championship without a fight from Ferrari. After a disappointing stint in North America Ferrari has managed to find the pace to win again in France. When race winner Kimi Raikkonen was asked what had improved with the car he simply said, “Everything! You can feel the improvement everywhere, really. In every corner. We are back where we expect to be.”

At the same time, Lewis Hamilton tried to downplay the feerari win by saying, “Both Kimi and Felipe said they made a good step forward at Silverstone, and we made a step forward too, but when you are behind people, as we were here, it is a lot harder to show your true pace. I don’t think they were as quick, as much faster, as it looked today. Traffic and strategy had a lot to do with that, so I still think we can bounce back at the next race, without a doubt.”

Silverstone marks the midpoint of the world championship, and McLaren currently have 114 points, Ferrari 89. So its still possible for a come from behind win for Ferrari in the constructors championship.

As for the driver standing things look a little worse for Ferrari. Ferrari is going to need some divine intervetion to make a comeback here considering how well Mclaren has done this year as far as reliability is concerened. Not that it cant happen but it is going to be a bigger uphill battle.

1 Lewis Hamilton British McLaren-Mercedes 64
2 Fernando Alonso Spanish McLaren-Mercedes 50
3 Felipe Massa Brazilian Ferrari 47
4 Kimi Räikkönen Finnish Ferrari 42

Hopefully Ferrari can carry the momentum forward to the UK next week.

US Grand Prix

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:52:00 +0000

Well I just got back From Indy yesterday. It was a great race to watch, unfortunately Ferrari wasnt able to perform better. I like everyone else assumed they would return to form here but without the big tire advantage they have always enjoyed here in the past they weren't able to do it. The only good news is that Kimi did set the fastest lap of the race so maybe the 15 seconds they trailed Hamilton by isnt as bad as it looks. Indy is a great track to watch a race at IMO because there is so many great views of the track if you get the right seats. I also enjoyed watching qualifying from the infield. You can get very close to the track on the infield which is pretty cool. Next year I think I may spend the extra money to get into the paddock club seats as I would really like to get a little closer to the action. If anyone has some advice on how to get into the paddock please pass it along.

Buon Compleanno Ferrari!

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 16:49:00 +0000

May 25, 2007 marks the 60th year the very first Ferrari 125 S won the Rome Grand Prix, an amazing victory when one knows this was only the second time the car had raced. Equally amazing is the company's 60th Anniversary program.

And what better way to recognize this accomplishment than to stage a year long race—the Ferrari 60 Relay—and host a series of top notch Ferrari events for the car company's heritage of elite customers. The relay involves passing a specially made baton, encrusted with enamel symbols in honor of 60 of Ferrari's most memorable events and is topped by a platinum and diamond horse logo.

The relay started earlier this year in the Middle East and has moved across five continents and various venues. When the relay ends on June 23, 2007 in Maranello, it will have been seen by over 10,000 passionate Ferrari owners. They've been at the wheels of every model ever made by the company in these celebratory events. Some of the Ferrari's at these events, according to Maurizio Parlato, "Are worth tens of millions of dollars. They are exceptional and rare Ferraris."

And to add to what is already ultra-exclusive, Ferrari has crafted 60 unique vehicles based on the model 612 Scaglietti, Ferrari's best Granturismo ever. The special edition combines handcrafted trim with state-of-Ferrari-art accessories, new color options, a glass roof and a grouping of enamels similar to those on the baton. This is the collectors' car for very few passionate Ferrari collectors.

As Ferrari joins the ranks of millions of baby boomers here in America, it remains healthy and vibrant, the dream machine for millions around the world. Join me in wishing Ferrari continued good health and success.

Raikkonen Delivers for Ferrari

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 16:49:00 +0000

Ferrari’s 193rd victory came courtesy of its debutant Finn Kimi Raikkonen, and he made it look oh so easy. As he started from the front, team mate Felipe Massa was at the back. The Brazilian had an electronic problem in his gearbox’s management, and then Ferrari elected to change his engine and thus he moved further backwards. Overall it was a tough start to the 2007 season for Massa.

While Kimi opted for the medium-medium-soft tire choices, Massa was on a single-stop strategy and thus started on the softs as he was likely to get held up in traffic early on. This was indeed the case as he battled his way past the Red Bulls and Hondas, and after his stop on lap 29, on went the mediums. If all Raikkonen had to worry about was the lack of a radio and the odd lapse of concentration, he really didn’t have much to worry about at all.

McLaren left Melbourne leading the world championship, with 14 points to Ferrari’s 13, but however much Ron Dennis might have bleated about the possible effect of BMW’s strategy for fast-starting Nick Heidfeld the writing on the wall indicated that the Ferrari was a second a lap faster in race trim.

Raikkonen reeled off a string of fastest laps early on, his best being 1m 25.235s compared to Fernando Alonso’s 1m 26.314s and Lewis Hamilton’s 1m 26.351s. Even had the silver arrows had a clear run at the first corner, there was no way they would have challenged the red car for victory this day. On the positive side for Mclaren, the MP4-22s were reliable and quick enough to leave everyone else behind.

2007 Formula One Season

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 18:33:00 +0000

The first race of the 2007 F1 season is just around the corner. Racing will get underway on March 18th at Albert Park in Melbourne Australia. The debate continues over who will be the better performer of Raikkonen or Massa. Heres what Christian Klien had to say, "There is no doubt that the Ferrari seems to be the quickest car at the moment, maybe as much as 0.3s and 0.5s per lap on longer runs. Their first lap performance is probably not that much better than the other competitive teams, but it's their consistency that make them difficult to beat. We have to remember that Ferrari has 8 years experience with Bridgestone, so they know exactly how to set the car up to suit these tyres, and that's an advantage for sure.

A lot of people have been pushing Massa quite hard but I think that when the racing starts Raikkonen will have the race pace when it matters most. Over 70 laps he will be fast, consistent and get the most out of the used tyres. This will be important. It is one thing to set times in testing, but it's when the racing starts that Kimi will push 100% all the time." I have to agree with his statements as I feel Raikkonen will be better at laying down consistently fast times as well as being more consistent from race to race. We will see this weekend if that theory is true or not.

Massa Looking Good For 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 18:33:00 +0000

Massa continues to outshine Raikkonen in pre-season testing. Massa set a blistering pace in the F2007 as testing continued for a second day at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya on Tuesday. Massa clocked a best lap of 1m 21.181s at the Spanish track which was just over a half second quicker than team mate Kimi Raikkonen in the second Ferrari. Overall things are shaping up well for the 2007 season for Ferrari.

Here are the unofficial Tuesday times from Barcelona:
1. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:21.181
2. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 1:21.719
3. Heikki Kovalainen, Renault, 1:21.819
4. Fernando Alonso, McLaren, 1:21.901
5. Giancarlo Fisichella, Renault, 1:21.997
6. Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, 1:22.078
7. Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber, 1:22.100
8. Jarno Trulli, Toyota, 1:22.227
9. Nico Rosberg, Williams, 1:22.249
10. Alexander Wurz, Williams, 1:22.288
11. Franck Montagny, Toyota, 1:22.476
12. Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber, 1:22.618
13. Rubens Barrichello, Honda, 1:22.669
14. Jenson Button, Honda, 1:22.816
15. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:22.916
16. David Coulthard, Red Bull, 1:23.322
17. Anthony Davidson, Super Aguri, 1:23.969
18. Christijan Albers, Spyker, 1:24.425

Latest Ferrari F430 Spy Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 17:34:00 +0000

Here is the latest photo of the upcoming Ferrari F430 Challenge Stradale. They were taken on a test drive in Germany. The Challenge Stradale is Ferrari’s answer to Porsche’s RS-models, and both of them use almost the same recipe. While Porsche makes the RS-models lighter but keep the same horsepower as the base GT3, Ferrari gives the CS not just a lighter body but also some more power .

The standard F430 delivers 490 bhp and the Stradale is believed to give away at least 520 bhp and about 100 kg less weight. The biggest visible change are the exhaust pipes that got moved up a bit and are producing a lot of great music to all Ferrari fans out there. Due to safety regulations the door windows are not made of plastic anymore like on the 360 CS and the wheels have 5 normal lug bolts instead of one center bolt like on the Challenge cars.

The inside of the doors is completely made of carbon to keep the weight down. Other light weight tricks include magnesium sport wheels and the carbon grille in the back that also helps to enhance engine cooling. It looks like the brakes are upgraded with bigger discs. Expect the Challenge Stradale to hit the roads in the beginning of 2007.

Raikkonen In Ferrari Red For The First Time

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 16:00:00 +0000

The new Ferrari star Kimi Raikkonen has made his first appearance in the famous Ferrari red. Raikkonen officially joined the team on January 1 and is participating in their annual media gathering at the Madonna di Campiglio ski resort.

Raikkonen arrived on Tuesday to join team mates Felipe Massa and Luca Badoer for the event, dubbed ‘Wrooom’, which over the coming days will see them and other Ferrari members participating in a number of winter sport activities. The drivers appeared in a press conference on Wednesday morning before preparing to head for the slopes.

Ferrari is expected to launch their 2007 car this Sunday in Maranello. Raikkonen hasn’t driven a Formula One car since last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix and is anxious to get behind the wheel.

Ferrari 420 Dino is Coming

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 17:57:00 +0000

Speculation about a so-called "cheap" Ferrari, slotted under the F430, has been circulating for some time and during last week's LA Auto Show, one of the presenters at the Ferrari booth sought to squash those rumblings.

Although he said there isn't going to be a "cheap" Ferrari, information has come out that confirms that a smaller, less expensive Ferrari is on its way.

What's being dubbed the 420 Dino will come equipped with a front-mounted, 4.2-liter V8, putting out 480 HP. The body will likely begin as a hardtop, with a cabrio due within the first two years of the Dino's initial launch. There is also talk of a folding hardtop.

Pricing will be set in the 140,000 to 160,000 range and sales are expected to begin in 2010. Ferrari hopes to produce between 3,500 and 5,000 cars annually, with their aim set on would-be buyers of the 911 Turbo and AM V8 Vantage.

This new addition to the Ferrari lineup would allow the F430 to move further upmarket (as if it could), by coming equipped with a new, 5-liter, 550 HP, V10 in 2008, then undergoing a full redesign by 2010.

I’m interested to see the evolution of this concept, as it will be very important in the Ferrari line. While Ferrari doesn’t want to dilute the brand name with cheap models, they also want a bigger piece of the action. I think if the car meets the claimed performance numbers at the price they have suggested I think it will do very well and enhance the brand. Below are a few more pictures for you take a look at.

Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 20:58:00 +0000

James Glickenhaus with the help of Pininfarina has created a one of a kind car built off of the Ferrari Enzo Chassis now known as the Ferrari P4/5. At a cost exceeeding 4 million dollars Glickenhaus has built a truly amazing car. Jason Castriota (who has designed exteriors for the Maserati Birdcage 75th, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, the one-off Ferrari 612 K for Peter Kalikow, and the next Maserati coupe to be shown at next March’s Geneva Motor Show) is responsible for the P4/5’s exterior and interior. As we have come to expect from Castriota, the exterior vision for P4/5 is nothing less than breathtaking. The car is nothing like anything I have ever seen and for Ferrari to bless it with their badge is amazing. I will let the pictures below speak for themselves.

Vicki From 5th Gear Tests The Ferrari F430 Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 19:41:00 +0000

This is a good video showing off the Ferrari F430 Challenge.

Ferrari F430 Challenge Stradale Spy Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 23:50:00 +0000

Here are a couple Ferrari F430 Challenge Stradale Spy Pics.

Todt is CEO and Braun is Leaving

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 16:29:00 +0000

Ferrari Formula One team boss Jean Todt has been announced as the Italian car manufacturer’s new Chief Executive Officer. The position of General Manager, previously held by Todt, will be taken by Amedeo Felisa.

Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn is to leave the team at the end of the month. Brawn’s position will be taken by Mario Almondo, with Stefano Domenicali taking on the role of Sporting Director. New Ferrari CEO Jean Todt will become interim Managing Director.

According to Ferrari, Brawn has decided to turn his attention to his personal life after devoting the past decade to the Italian team.

The End of an Amazing Career

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 16:16:00 +0000

He didn’t win the title or even the race. Indeed he didn’t even make the podium. However, Michael Schumacher’s farewell drive in Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix illustrated the grit, skill and determination that has made him the greatest driver Formula One racing has ever seen.

The odds were stacked against the Ferrari star from the outset after technical problems in qualifying at Interlagos left him only tenth on the grid. However, an excellent start saw him up to sixth place by the time the safety car intervened following Williams’ Nico Rosberg’s early accident.

Soon after the race restarted, Schumacher dived down the inside of Giancarlo Fisichella’s Renault to seize P4, but as he exited the Senna S he appeared to lose the back end of the car, the Italian promptly regaining the position. The cause of the slide quickly became clear - a left-rear puncture thought to have been caused by debris on the track.

Schumacher limped back to the pits to take on fuel and fresh rubber, but when he rejoined he was running 19th - and last. However, he was immediately back up to speed, slamming in fastest sector times and slicing his way past backmarkers. His progress slowed somewhat when he once more found himself behind Fisichella in the closing stages, but the Renault driver was eventually forced into a mistake by Schumacher’s relentless pressure, running wide at Turn 1 and surrendering fifth place in the process.

McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen - the man who will replace Schumacher at Ferrari - was the next target, and the Finn defended aggressively to maintain fourth place. It took a special move from Schumacher, the pair going side-by-side into Turn 1 just inches apart, with the seven-time champion ultimately emerging ahead.

That left him chasing Jenson Button for a podium, but with just two laps remaining there simply wasn’t time to catch the Honda, despite Schumacher's penultimate lap being the fastest of the race, over half a second quicker than team mate Felipe Massa’s best.

Schumacher’s competitive Formula One career may be over, but true to form, the great man entertained us to the last. Thank you for years of amazing racing Michael.

Ferrari 599 Road Trip Video

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 20:05:00 +0000

Its all over for Schumacher

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 15:54:00 +0000

Alonso has managed to clinch the championship with Schumacher DNF today. Its a sad day for Ferrari team and their fans. I think thats all that needs to be said on this subject.

Schumacher is tied for first with Alonso

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 21:02:00 +0000

Schumacher is tied for first place in the championsip race with Fernando Alonso. This looks like it could be the tightest championship race in quite awhile.

Ferrari F430 Test

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 15:58:00 +0000

An Emotional Day For Ferrari

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 14:52:00 +0000

Today is a day of much news for the Ferrari Team. Michael Schumacher is within 2 points of winning the world championship after Fernando Alonso suffered a DNF. Michael Schumacher also announced his retirement for Formula One at the end of this season. The final news is that Kimi Raikkonen will be taking Michaels spot on the team for 2007. What a day...this could become a story book ending for Michael Schumachers long and amazing career. I am very excited for 2007 Kimi Raikkonen is the best replacement available for Ferrari and will finally give him the chance to win a world championship.

2007 Ferrari Driver Lineup

noreply@blogger.com (Jits) — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 16:58:00 +0000

Ferrari will announce their 2007 driver line-up immediately after Sunday's race at Monza, a move which should confirm once and for all whether Schumacher intends to retire.

The issue has dominated the weeks up to the announcement but Schumacher himself is steering clear of that talk. "I understand that the announcement arouses some interest," said the 37-year-old. "We have already made known that the declaration will be made after the race as we want to focus on what is an important date." "I am in full agreement with this. I can only add that I will not discuss the subject until Sunday."