Martinelli: New engine 'evolution of experience'.

According to engine guru Paolo Martinelli, Ferrari's latest V10 Formula One powerplant - codenamed 052 - is an 'evolution of technological experience', with years of first-hand data combining with the technical abilities of Ferrari's engine specialists to produce a unit capable of keeping the Scuderia in front of its rivals.

The starting point for the new engine was an evolution of the 051 model that so efficiently powered Michael Schumacher to a fifth world title, and allowed Rubens Barrichello to contribute to another constructors' title success. However, the 052 is completely new from top to bottom, and Martinelli insists that all its parts will be developed right through the season, to the penultimate Sunday in October if necessary, in order for the team to reach its target of another championship.

The 052 engine project has two specific technical aims. First and foremost, it seeks improved performance and useability while, at the same time, maintaining the requisite reliability demonstrated by its predecessor. While the 051 rarely let either of its drivers down, it was not the fastest engine on the grid, lagging behind both the BMW and Cosworth V10 in 2002.

Secondly, the engine was designed in extremely close collaboration with the overall car package, with the final development resulting in a reduction in weight of between four and five per cent. It also allowed the car's centre of gravity to be lowered, through a revised layout of the engine ancillaries and cooling and lubrication systems.

Such was the close, integrated, relationship between car and engine design, the 052 can only be fitted to the new F2003-GA car - and as a result will not appear in the back of the F2002 with which the Scuderia is expected to begin the new season in Australia next month.

An evolution of the structures used in the final 'B' version of the 051, the new unit features a completely new block, manufactured by microfusion. The heads are lowered, and the engine features innovative materials where applicable for various functions. One specific evolution is in the area of fuel and engine oil, a programme carried out with the invaluable support of Shell, which will introduce completely new fuel and oils when the car first runs.

In terms of performance, Martinelli has confirmed that development will be continuous, with evolutionary steps already planned into the programme. Maximum engine revs at the start of the season will be around 200rpm higher than that on the 051. As usual, however, Ferrari did not disclose an expected output figure, but has promised the F1 world that it will be working 'in a methodical and determined fashion' to provide 'sufficient' horsepower to reach its goals......