19/02/2016
NEWS STORY
A shortened nose, a tapered rear end, pushrod front suspension and an iconic red-and-white livery, rekindling memories of Niki Lauda's title winning 312T, are the signature features of the new SF16-H.
The name refers to the hybrid powertrain, which enters its third season in the Formula One World Championship.
"Last year’s objective was three victories and we got it, this year we need to push more," said team boss Maurizio Arrivabene in the online presentation. "It is going to be for the championship at least, we would like to fight until the end for the championship.
"We know it will not be easy," he admitted, "our competitors are not sleeping or looking at what we are doing, we are all committed to do our best.
"This car is the result of the commitment of many, many people, logistics, and this car will head off to Barcelona in a few hours and there we will test its real value.
"We go to the races, respecting our competitors and recognising their value - especially the guy that won the championship last year - but we are all committed to do better and better and better."
"I think naturally our goals are growing," added Sebastian Vettel ahead of his second season with the Maranello outfit. "We had a fantastic year last year, so naturally we all want more. Last year we finished second in the constructors’ championship, so it’s only one more step - which is a difficult one to take, but hopefully this is one that helps us achieve it.
"We have improved in many areas when I came in, more or less this time last year, with a lot of people changing their position and in new positions.
"I was a difficult time to really have some expectations," he added, referring to this time a year ago, "now we have had a better winter to prepare and therefore I think we will be a strong team as we have seen last year, but even stronger this year."
Asked if he could repeat his (title winning) form of 2007, Kimi Raikkonen was as talkative as ever. "I am still the same guy," said the Finn, "just some years older so the aim is to do well and have a strong season."
"We didn't have enough power in 2014," said James Allison, explaining the philosophy behind the SH15-H. "We didn't have enough downforce, kinematics on our suspension were not ideal and our packaging left a lot to be desired as well. We've worked very hard, the whole team has worked very hard, on all those areas. Last year was a decent step forward and we hope this car will be another good step forward, another step to make us properly competitive."
"The nose level is higher so the air flows different to last year," added chief designer Simone Resta. "That is very important because it has a positive impact on aerodynamics. Also, after four years of pull-rod, we have changed and now we have front suspension with push-rod. The weight is better and it is a step forwards compared to last year and the previous models. Another important part are the sidepods. The radiators are different - and we have tried to take advantage with the cooling systems."
With precious few regulation changes, certainly in terms of aero, it is the engine where Ferrari has been concentrating.
"Compared to last season we have worked on two areas," revealed Matteo Binotto. "First architecture, so we have tried to compact it in order to have a positive impact on aerodynamics. The car is tighter and narrower compared to last year. We tried to move all the accessories.
"But we did not work only on architecture," he continued, "we tried to improve combustion for example, inlet aspiration and also the turbo. This is the first step compared to the past, a step forward, so we have made important technical choices and innovative choices."
Check out our Ferrari SF16-H gallery, here.