Ferrari has launched the F2008, the 54th single-seater built by Ferrari specifically to take part in the Formula One World Championship. The car was presented at Fiorano, Ferrari’s private test track and the team met the media to discuss the new model and the upcoming season.

"Seeing the car for the first time is like welcoming a boy in a family. It is important to work to make him grow in the best way." These were Felipe Massa’s first words when meeting the journalists with his team mate Kimi Räikkönen. "The first impression of the car is that it is really beautiful. Just like every other Ferrari. But that is not enough. The looks are important, but the performance and the reliability are even more important."

The new design, codenamed internally as the 659, represents the Scuderia’s interpretation of the latest technical regulations, which come into force in 2008. Of course this sees some significant changes. A new electronic system - known as SECU (Standard Electronic Control Unit) – is to be used by all teams. Safety as always is a priority and higher side protection has been introduced around the drivers’ helmets. Changes have also been made to aerodynamics, the monococque and suspension system.

Another area affected by rule changes is the gearbox, which must be used for four consecutive events. Shell has been working with Ferrari throughout the development stages of the car, playing a key role in defining the lubricants, in developing the Shell V-Power race fuel and in dealing with the reliability aspect of the new regulations.

Scuderia Ferrari’s technical team was also on hand to discuss the technical developments. Gilles Simon, Head of the Engines and Electronics Department: "This new organization is already looking ahead to the year 2009… (for 2008) what we have actually done is concentrated our work on everything that is sitting above the cylinders; such as the inlets and also on the improvement of the lubrification. We also developed a new kind of fuel over the last winter in collaboration with Shell. The rules of 2008 set a limit of 5.75% of bio-components in the fuel. We'll use the biofuel already at the tests in Jerez next week."

The F2008 has now made its first public outing on-track in Fiorano, however an intensive and all encompassing development programme is planned to run throughout the season.