Oliver WhiteFerrari have released some more pictures of their 2007 challenger – the F2007 – probably after the outcry from online and offline publications yesterday at the lack of images available. Ferrari controlled what was released to the media, and much speculation as since erupted.
Many believe it is because the Ferrari has something clever on it that they don’t want the world to know about while there is still time for other teams to copy. I personally feel it is because they intend to rework part of the car before the first race, and therefore what they have allowed us to see may change in the next few weeks. Anyway, here are the three studio shots available.
I found it rather odd that Ferrari didn’t make a big launch for its new baby like all the other brands did, as if they’re making a statement. In respond to your comment, I think the reason for this is a bit of both. You can see by comparing the 248 F1 with the F2007 that the chassis has had massive changes (eg the sidepods look smaller, smoother and more aerodynamic than those from the 248 F1, plus it looks more natural to the eye), which could back up the theory that they’re trying to keep things secret.
However, like you said, I also think this car isnt completely finished. There are about 7 weeks left before the Melbourne GP and last weeks testing wasn’t very succesful for Massa and the Ferrari team because of the bad weather, hopefully it will improve next week in Spain.
Of the whole week, Massa’s fastest lap time in Vallelunga was 1m 13.587s and Raikkonen’s fastest lap time (on the 248 F1) was 1m 19.758s. The F2007 was more than 6 seconds faster than its predecessor, which means a lot considering both factors: Raikkonen isn’t completely adapted to the team (hence his lap time) and, even so, Massa made a faster lap time with a car that isn’t yet finished. For sure they’re still adjusting some things on the new car.