Ferrari launches lower, lighter F2003-GA.

The forty-ninth single-seater to come out of the famous Ferrari at Maranello, and designed to compete in the Formula One world championship, was unveiled by the Scuderia's four-man driving line-up at its official launch today [Friday].

In front of an expectant audience, Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello, Luca Badoer and new arrival Felipe Massa lifted the red dustsheet that kept the F2003-GA from prying eyes to reveal a sleek revised design from the pen of Rory Byrne and his team of auto architects.

The basic design concept remains unchanged from that of the F2002, when proved more than simply successful last season. Attention has been paid to optimising aerodynamic efficiency in addition to further lowering the car's centre of gravity, and all areas of the car have been completely redesigned in an effort to get the maximum performance out of the new 052 engine and Bridgestone tyres.

The chassis is new, both in terms of design and construction, saving weight and improving structure over the previous F2002. The bodywork, radiators, exhausts and rear end have been redesigned, leading to a further increase in aerodynamic performance. The mechanically-operated power steering is also a new design. The front and rear suspension elements have been revised, to maximise the performance of the Bridgestone tyres and to improve the efficiency of the aerodynamic package.

The front of the car is lower than its predecessor, with a droop nose leading to a sleeker profile ahead of the cockpit. The airbox and engine cover drop more sharply towards the rear of the car, while 'flip-ups' reminiscent of several of Ferrari's rivals now 'grace' the area in front of the rear wheels to channel air more efficiently towards the rear wing. The sidepods are lower and do not sweep downwards quite as much as on the F2002, but the distinctive 'shark fin' exhaust covers remain a prominent feature. Two small winglets were also present either side of the engine cover at launch.

New materials have been introduced to reduce the weight and size of the engine and transmission. Like its predecessor, the new 052 engine is load-bearing and is mounted longitudinally. As usual, Shell made a significant contribution to the evolution of the 052, both in terms of fuels and lubricants, to ensure maximum performance and reliability, and will introduce both a new fuel and oil to F1 when the car runs for the first time.

While maintaining the same position and longitudinal mounting, the gearbox is completely a new design, achieving both a reduction in dimensions and weight. The gearbox is cast in titanium with seven speeds - plus reverse - and is electro-hydraulically operated with a sequential shift. In keeping with a trend initiated by Ferrari and now almost universally adopted in F1, the car is fitted with a high level exhaust system, the same layout as seen on the F2002. The car's centre of gravity is lower than that of its predecessor, producing a further improvement in weight distribution for both chassis and engine.

Ferrari believes that, with the F2003-GA, it has taken a further step toward maximising the performance of innovative materials and design, whilst utilising advanced quality control techniques and philosophies to ensure safety and reliability.

The slightly unusual F2003-GA designation derives from the team's desire to honour the life of recently deceased patron Gianni Agnelli, who president Luca di Montezemolo, team boss Jean Todt and Michael Schumacher all confirm had a profound influence on them during their time together at Ferrari.