Ferrari's new 248 F1 - not the end of an era says di Montezemolo
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Image Gallery ( 16 images )Talking of test drivers, the observations of Luca Badoer could not be missed. Badoer stated that all his work over the last year would bear fruit in the coming season. "This is also because the new V8 will surely change as the season nears so the races will be approached from the driver's point of view. More emphasis will be placed on the human element, rendering the new Formula 1 single seater more similar to a kart", declared the driver from Veneto.
Schumacher: "The first signs are positive"
Closing for the drivers was the eagerly awaited Michael Schumacher. After opening by stating that he did not feel like a driver close to retirement, the German then reflected on the new car and stated that "it has already given positive results in the little testing that it has been possible to carry out here.”
“Despite the fact that only a few laps were run”, he continued, “the car seemed well balanced and enjoyable to drive even though it is less powerful."
"Certainly, we will have to wait until the race to see how the strategies are modified", he replied to an English journalist querying the effect of the new set up and the new regulations.
"Sticking to talking of the rules", continued Schumacher, "I believe that Bridgestone have worked very well on the tyres. This is not only due to the fact that tyre changes have returned (and from a certain point of view this is a benefit) but that the structure of the mixtures have changed from the problematic ones of last year, especially in qualifying. As to the engine, many have asked me how it will change the style of driving with a V8. It is a question to which I always answer in the same way: that there will not be such a big difference. It is like going back to the levels of power we had ten years ago. What I think will alter radically is the race strategy and not the style of driving.”
To conclude, he spoke of his relationship with his new driving partner and the fact that Valentino Rossi could test at Valencia shortly. Michael revealed that he had a good relationship with Massa, who was a driver he feels is one of the most talented youngsters on the circuit. Schumacher deflected further questioning about the F1 future of the Moto GP world champion, preferring to focus on the season to come.
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