The F2005 - Characteristics and technical specification

The F2005 is the fifty first single-seater built by Ferrari specifically to compete in the Formula 1 World Championship. The design, which bears the internal code number 656, represents Ferrari’s more exhaustive interpretation of the 2005 technical regulations. The main elements, relating to aerodynamics are more advanced than on the F2004 M.

  The chassis is lighter, despite the need to strengthen the lateral anti-intrusion panels within the monocoque to increase its ability to meet the requirements of the crash-test, which is stricter than in the past. The shape has been revised, with modifications to the opening of the side pods and the area around the turning vanes. The side pods have been adapted to accommodate the new cooling system.

  The engine cover has been redesigned, as have the aerodynamic devices on the side pods, with a secondary winglet introduced in the area of the roll-hoop. The layout of the exhausts is fundamentally different to that of the previous car, eliminating the aerodynamic profile which characterised the rear section, which is now almost entirely integrated within the bodywork.

  While retaining the longitudinal architecture for the transmission, the entire rear end has been changed in an attempt to get the most out of the size of the gearbox, which is smaller than its predecessor and made from titanium and carbon fibre. Naturally, the limitations introduced by the new regulations were taken into account during the design stage.

  The rear suspension has been revised, with the twin aims of improving the car’s dynamics in order to optimise the efficiency of operation for the Bridgestone tyres, while also improving the aerodynamic efficiency of the rear. The floor of the car has also been substantially redesigned to fit in with the new dimensions of the gearbox and comply with the new regulations. Two areas that benefited from a major effort during the design stage were the braking and electronics systems, this work carried out in conjunction with technical partners.

  The 055 engine -can only be fitted in the new car - is load-bearing and mounted longitudinally. Much of the internal componentry derives from the last version of the 053, currently fitted to the F2004 M. The main changes centre on the mounting points to chassis and gearbox. Its designers aimed to come up with an engine able to maintain a sufficient level of performance, doubling its life given that the sporting regulations introduced this year require the use of the same engine for two consecutive race weekends. As always, Shell’s help has been invaluable in the definition of fuel and lubricants to best meet the set targets.

  The F2005 represents the final evolution in a line of Ferrari Formula 1 cars fitted with a ten cylinder engine. As usual, right from the design stage, much attention was paid to performance and optimisation of the materials used as well as quality control, in order to increase performance levels with maximum safety, all within the framework of the new rules introduced this year.

Chassis
Carbon-fibre and honeycomb composite structure
Ferrari longitudinal gearbox
  limited-slip differential
Semiautomatic sequential
  electronically controlled gearbox

Number of gears

Ventilated carbon-fibre disc

Independent suspension,
  push-rod activated torsion
  springs front and rear

Length

Width

Height

Wheelbase

Front track

Rear track

Weight with water, lubricant and driver

Wheels (front and rear)

Engine

Type

Number of cylinders

Cilinder block

Number of valves

  pneumatic distribution

Total displacement

Magneti Marelli

Magneti Marelli

The F2005 unveiled

Maranello, 25th February

  In stark contrast to the sunshine that awaits the world of Formula 1 in Melbourne in a few days time, Maranello snow provided the backdrop to the unveiling of the car that will carry Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro’s hopes of retaining the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championship titles this year.
The F2005 will not be making the trip to Australia, as Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello will start the year at the wheel of the F2004 M, the modified version of last year’s car. This will allow extra time for development and track testing of the new car and its 055 engine, prior to its debut after the first few grands prix.

  With the car presentation taking place so near to the start of the year, it was a more low key and traditional launch than those of the past few years. Ferrari Managing Director Jean Todt started the proceedings by calling President Luca di Montezemolo, Schumacher, Barrichello and test drivers Luca Badoer and Marc Gene to pull the wraps off the new car, which technical director, Ross Brawn later described as the “best we have built to date.”

  “As always, this is an emotional moment, as we see the car that will defend the colours of this company in the forthcoming championship,” began Todt. “The Ferrari team is on great form and we want to repeat the successes of the past few years. We want to maintain our position and I would say I will to win is even stronger now.” The Frenchman went on to thank all the team’s suppliers and sponsors...

  Ross Brawn then explained all the changes on the car, the majority as a result of the new technical and sporting regulations introduced for 2005. “Obviously, the biggest changes concern the aerodynamics, with a raised a front wing, the rear one moved further inboard, and the floor and diffuser also undergoing modifications,” explained the Englishman. “In addition there have been various safety improvements.”
Brawn felt that the rule banning tyre changes during the grands prix would make for interesting racing. “It will revive something of the old F1,” he commented. “The ability to run a set of tyres for the whole race will be a key factor and make for fascinating and spectacular racing.”

  Brawn also touched on the organisation of the team: “Last year we began a process of renewal and Aldo Costa is now overseeing the design and development of the car, while Rory Byrne has what could be called a more “paternal” role. But all the changes have gone through smoothly, without causing any shocks, as they have all taken place within the Ferrari philosophy that characterises our team.”

  After Rory Byrne and Paolo Martinelli had gone into more detail about the technical changes to chassis and engine, Montezemolo brought the official part of the presentation to a close, with a typically stirring speech, thanking everyone in the team and the company for their efforts.