Ferrari unveils 2011 F1 car

Ferrari today became the first team to unveil their car ahead of the new Formula One season.

At a special presentation of the F150 at the team’s factory in Maranello, drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa took the wraps off their latest challenger.

The choice of name stems from Ferrari’s desire to pay tribute to this year being the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy.

Casting his eyes over the new challenger, Alonso said: “I’m really motivated, really excited.

“Last year was an incredible one for me. I discovered a wonderful team, one that was really passionate for a new driver.

“This year is an important one due to the new technical regulations which means drivers will have to adapt to a new style, such as the re-introduction of KERS (kinetic energy recovery system).

“This car is the fruit of many months of hard work from the people at Ferrari.

“Now we have to commit completely to what we do and we are ready, we are up for the challenge.”

After finishing as runner-up in the championship last season, the 29-year-old Spaniard is convinced he is better equipped for the fight ahead.

“I know the team better now,” added Alonso.

“I know the names of the mechanics, which I didn’t last year which was not easy for me, but I’m now far more integrated within the team.

“I feel it will be easier for me to adapt to the new car.”

Team-mate Massa, whose 2010 campaign petered out after the team orders furore at the German Grand Prix, insists he is determined to prove his worth to the team.

Ahead of his sixth year with Ferrari, Massa said: “I still have many years ahead of me, I’m really motivated and excited.

“I’ve followed the development of the car up until now, and I am really eager to start the new year.

“There are a lot of things to learn as quickly as possible, and I really hope this new car will live and grow as quickly as possible.

“Working on a car is not a simple task, but with the strength and work of our engineers and mechanics, I think it will be easy for me to learn all the new rules and have good results this season.”

Asked if he felt any pressure after his disappointing 2010, Massa added: “You always feel pressure when you drive for Ferrari, but especially for me because last year was a difficult one.

“So I would like to start this year with positive results, and I’m confident I will do this.”

Team principal Stefano Domenicali, appreciating the rollercoaster nature of last year, has no doubts his team can go a step further on this occasion.

“Launching a new car, be it a road car, a GT car, or a race car like this, is a very important moment,” said Domenicali.

“It’s important because it means the work of the whole team is realised.

“Last season we had difficult and beautiful moments, and we want to build on those beautiful moments.

“Our two drivers are a wonderful team and they want to prove their value.

“The F150 was created on substantially different technical regulations, but it is important we start on reliability.

“This car is the first step towards that because the car you will see in Bahrain will be completely different from the one you see in the first test week in Valencia.

“We really want to be successful, and we are more motivated than we have been in the past.”