Presentation of the new F1-2000
Maranello, 7th February - Today at Maranello, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro unveiled the new F1-2000,
the car with which it will compete in this year's Formula One World Championship.
Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo welcomed the most senior personnel from Fiat, Honorary
President Gianni Agnelli and the Administrative Delegate Paolo Cantarello, as well as
representatives of the companies which supply and sponsor the Scuderia.
Sporting Director Jean Todt kicked off the proceedings by inviting the drivers, Luca Badoer, Rubens
Barrichello and Michael Schumacher to pull the sheet off the car. Todt then went on to give an
overview of the F1-2000. "We have worked a great deal on the aerodynamics, improving the
weight distribution, on the suspension and on lowering the centre of gravity of the engine. The car
was developed entirely in our new wind tunnel."
Todt then spoke about the drivers: "Luca Badoer will be with us once again this year as test
driver, having shown a great level of professionalism over the past few years. The 'young
veteran' Rubens Barrichello, who has a contract to the end of 2001, has only just joined us,
but is already well integrated with the team. Michael Schumacher, who for his part, has a contract
to the end of 2002, represents continuity and a point of reference. We are a compact team, working
day and night to reach our targets. This year's is to do better than in 1999."
After a few words from the technical side; Technical Director Ross Brawn, Chief Designer Rory Byrne
and Head of Engine department Paolo Martinelli, it was the drivers' turn to speak. Luca Badoer
reaffirmed his enthusiasm for Ferrari. "This is my third season as test driver, but every time
I get into the cockpit of the car, I feel the same emotion I did on my very first drive. I will do
all I can to contribute to obtaining the results we all dream of."
For Rubens Barrichello, this was his first launch at Maranello: I am very happy to be here and I
believe in what the designers of this car have told me. I am sure I will pick up my first Formula 1
victory and many more besides."
Michael Schumacher spoke in Italian: "This is my fifth year with Ferrari, which is like a
family to me. I am very enthusiastic and I really hope to win as a driver. Everyone knows what
happened last year. Now, I would like to have better luck. First impressions of the car is that it
is beautiful. I am optimistic and cannot wait to drive it. I will do everything I can to bring the
Number One to Ferrari. The whole team and all the fans deserve it."
The final address came from President Montezemolo. "Words mean little," said Montezemolo.
"The track will give the answer as to the abilities of this car. We lived through a very
difficult season with dramatic changes of fortune last year. We won the Constructors' title,
but we lost the Drivers' one for the third consecutive time in the very last race. It confirmed
that Ferrari is both stable and capable of competing at the highest level. We are up against very
strong opponents, with car companies from all over the globe involved in the fight. I wish to thank
the sponsors and suppliers for their support and the shareholders for the patience they have shown
to date. The engineers say the car is better, but we will not be alone on the track."
Montezemolo concluded with a remark about "Luna Rossa." (Red Moon is the literal
translation of the name of the Italian entry in the Louis Vuitton Cup.) "Here we are in an
area where the colour red has always been of great importance and I am glad it appears to be back
in fashion today, as when it comes to red in sport, we have a certain claim to this colour."
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